Becoming a NICU RN

[AgyMlnRN]

Hi everyone!

So I'm wondering what do people recommend would be the best way of becoming a NICU RN. Should I try to become an L&D RN first and then after some years transfer to the NICU? I'm an OR RN, who after having some NICU and newborn/infant patients, I know that is the specialty/populations I want to care for at the bedside. I figure the OR experience can be helpful for C-Section training and I want to go back to school to become a NICU APRN. Any advice? Thanks!

[llg, PhD, RN]

Have you tried applying directly to NICU's? Try that first before you decide to try a less direct route. If that doesn't work,

1. Apply for peds jobs ... and maternal/newborn jobs

2. Apply for an OR job that has a big NICU. Develop a good reputation as someone who is great to work with. Volunteer for committees, participate in hospital events, get to know some people in the NICU. Then transfer into the NICU. If your reputation is good, a lot of NICU's would be interested in you with your OR background