any nurses that went straight to NNICU after nusring school?

NICU_Nurse, BSN, RN · Aug 20, 2003

Yes, I did. I went directly to a two-level unit- Level II and III were seperate, but the nurses worked in both depending on need and preference.

I'd make sure that your orientation is as thorough as possible- find out how many weeks and what it will consist of. This should preferably be a combination of hands-on care with a preceptor and classroom time.

I have to say that all of those I've seen truly succeed in an ICU or critical care unit straight from graduation have been those who are self-starters and who are able and willing to study independantly, outside of work. I have spent a tremendous amount of time reading various textbooks and articles on the internet, as well as coming here and quizzing my fellow nurses to clarify information or get new resources. There is absolutely no way I would have made it if I hadn't done this, so take that into consideration.

IMO, the job is a serious one and requires serious knowledge- new grads who have no experience to fall back on have to make up for it a bit by going out of their way to study and learn more about what they are doing. Don't let that scare you, though! It can be very exciting and you'll be a much safer and smarter nurse for doing so.

Good luck! December's not too far away!

cswain12000 · Aug 20, 2003

yes-I too went right into a level III unit, but the hospital that I went to hired a large group of new grads, and we went through a great, very intense 13 week orientation that included alot of classroom time. I learned more in that 13 weeks than what I learned in 3 years of school, and I am very grateful to that hospital for what they gave me. If you can find a hospital that will give you a good orientation-then I would say go for it-because there really is no other kind of nursing that can prepare you for the NICU-it's a world all it's own. The only thing that could be of use would be newborn nursery, or a level 2 unit where you can get comfortable with babies that are not as sick. Best of luck to you!! Cindy

Bailarina · Aug 21, 2003

Thank you so much for your replies and advice. I will look into the internship and what it consists of before I make a decision, Thanks! :)

KayNICUchsd · Aug 22, 2003

I'm a new grad now and have begun my journey into NICU nursing... Our hospital offers a "Nurse Residency Program" and I highly recommend starting in a hospital with a great orientation... Ours is 6 months! We have a variety of classes...some for the entire hospital's new grads and some NICU specific and then of course clinical hours... I'm so grateful for this program because I really think its going to help make the transition from new grad to RN a smooth one!! So ask about orientation programs!! It's really important... you don't want to get thrown to the unit and not be prepared!!! Good Luck!!!

tinyhands4Him · Aug 23, 2003

I, too, am a new RN...i just graduated in May and just finished my first month of orientation in a level2-3 NICU....i still have 2 more too go! i love it so far and definately reccommend it if its really something you want. School and other units can't and won't really prepare you for the NICU since its so different so there's no harm in going straight in as long as it is something you really want, are willing to work hard, and have the help and guidance of the facility to give you a great thorough orientation! Good luck!

pengland1965 · Aug 23, 2003

I went straight from nursing school to a level III nursery. That was 5 years ago. Love my job. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Good Luck!

LeivaRN · Oct 17, 2003

I am a new grad also, just passed my boards and going straight into a level III NICU. I am terribly nervous but excited at the same time! I have talked to many unit managers and they have felt that as a new grad you have the will, desire and motivation to learn, so they think this is why new grads do very well.

My best friend is a NICU nurse, 5 years now and she did 1 year, medsurg... according to her it's a whole different animal !

I wish you the best of luck !

Bailarina · Oct 17, 2003

Thanks for your reply! I have an interview in 2 weeks for the NNICU, I am excited and will keep my fingers crossed. Congratulations on passing your boards!

mawbellRn2Bn04 · Oct 20, 2003

I too would like to be hired on at an NICU in my area... I am glad to read this encouragement and i graduate in May.. I will keep my feelers out! take care and thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! Tracy )

kitty29 · Oct 21, 2003

Ya..............Thank God..........in 1979!!! :)

Horseyrn · Oct 22, 2003

I started out as a new graduate in the NICU 28 years ago, its the best thing i ever did. I agree an extensive orientation is important. as well as on unit the mentors its new nurses. Good Luck to you:)