HELP! Schools?

nicudaynurse · Sep 16, 2003

Well there aren't specific schools/programs related to NICU nursing. What you need to do is go to nursing school which can be done at a university or community college. If you are interested in the University of Florida then you need to check to see if they have a nursing program. When you go to school for nursing you will get a general/broad type of education. You will be exposed to many different areas of nursing. Anywhere from newborns to very old people. It's when you graduate that you decide what area you will work in as an RN. Many hospitals offer internship programs for nurses who want to specialize in certain areas like NICU, Labor & Delivery, ICU, ER, etc....

Good luck!!!

NICU_Nurse, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2003

Yes, unfortunately, there are no NICU specialization programs (I wish there were! A simple course would be nice!). I've checked into UF myself (for my BSN), and I know that they have access to Shands Hospital, which is a very large, well-reknowned facility where you're sure to get a lot of good clinical experience.

I doubt that there's a need for you to move out of state (unless you want to!); Florida's nursing programs are just as strong as the others (it just depends on the school, not the state). Later, when you are looking into a Master's degree (or, I should say "if"), the school itself will make more of a difference (some MSN programs are stronger than others in certain areas of nursing).

Check with the Florida student nurses' association and the Florida state board of nursing to find out statistics on NCLEX pass rates and graduation rates (the NCLEX is the test that we take in order to get a nursing license after we graduate). Ask nurses you know or other students in the programs about their school and get some opinions to weigh. Call the nursing programs at a couple of schools and ask if they can put you in contact with students or graduates that would be willing to answer questions for you. Go on tours of the nursing programs and ask lots of questions! This is all stuff you can do while you're still in high school.

If you really want a head start, think about volunteering in an NICU, pediatric hospital, or other medical area that works with children. This will make you a stronger candidate when the time comes to either be admitted or after graduation when you're looking for a job (because you'll have more exposure to pediatric/neonatal healthcare and have more realistic expectations). You're a junior in high school- you don't have to commit all your time; how about once a week or twice a month? Just do it on a regular basis so that you can build up a rapport with the people you're working with, and then you'll have a reference from them when you are trying to get into/out of school.

Good luck!

Also, since you're interested, check out the book "Baby ER" by Edward Hume; it gives you a really good look into the neonatal unit.

Let us know if you have more questions! Good luck in school, and remember- enjoy the time you've got now. All of that responsibility will come on its own. Good planning is wonderful, but don't get obsessed about it. You've still got time.

ninamarie77 · Sep 17, 2003

Thank you so much! That was very good information. As for volunteering in a NICU.. I already am! I just started and so far it's been great. And I've read Baby ER.. great book! I've been looking for similar ones but that one is the best so far. Thanks again!

nicudaynurse · Sep 17, 2003

I've read Baby ER as well and it was very good. May I also recommend:

Miracle Birth Stories of very Premature Babies by Timothy Smith

Before Their Time by Daniel Taylor and Ronald Hoekstra, M.D.

Living Miracles by Kimberly Powell and Kim Wilson

hmarandola · Sep 23, 2003

Once you finish your BSN/RN at a nursing school in Florida (or wherever you are led) you can check out the Master's program at UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) They have a Neonatal Nurse Practicioner Program. The address is below but if that doesn't work just find the wesite for University of California, San Francisco and follow the links.

http://nurseweb.ucsf.edu/www/speclist.htm#Ped

I am a junior at Samuel Merritt College in Oakland, which has a highly reputable reputable Nursing Program. SMC offers a comprehensive and aggressive curriculum and works in partnership with St. Mary's College in Moraga so that we can earn our BSN. If you want to get away from the home town SMC is worth checking out. Just type "Samuel Merritt College" in your address bar.

If I decide to pursue a Master's degree in Nurse Anesthesia I will stay at Samuel Merritt. If I decide to become a Neonatal Nurse Practicioner I think I will head across the bridge to UCSF. Good luck finding the right school for you!!!

Heather