How did you get into NICU nursing?

Specialties NICU

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Hi, I am a current med-surg float nurse that has been doing med-surg for over 4 years now. I have recently made the decision that nicu nursing is where I would like to go from here. Although I have a strong med-surg base, like they told me to get when I graduated, it seems that it is not helping me get into the field of neonatal care. My current hospital has a level 3 nicu, but every time a position opens they require recent NICU experience and a current NRCP card. So my question is how did you break into the field? What is an NRCP card and is there any classes or any action you could recommend me doing to increase my chances of getting into the nicu? Thank you so much for your time in answering!

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I've been a nicu nurse for 13 years. I'm not sure what a NRCP card is. NRP is neonatal resuscitation- and IS required to practice in the unit ( it's the nicu version of PALS, OR ALS). In our unit that class & testing is provided right AFTER being hired into the unit & is arranged by our educator. (but in the job description NRP would be listed as a requirement of employment).

I was a nurse tech in the nicu the last year of nursing school- so that's how I got hired. Many of our new grads are in the same boat. It does seem many new hires that come from other units almost always have at least some sort of personal connection to the nicu.

I would contact the unit director via email & introduce yourself professionally- but with a personal touch. State your experience and why you would love to be a nicu nurse. Our hospital is so big that names go through HR first- so may it not even make it to the director. I would especially send an email (or even letter) to the director that you applied (what position, and date you applied) and your personal interest in the unit. This could help flag your name. If there isn't a current position-you could even ask permission to shadow in the unit (without pay) as a way to gain insight, and perhaps make a few connections.

Keep trying! Our nurses that have come from med surge LOVE the NICU world!

I hope that helps!

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

Ask to shadow in the unit, this way you get to meet people there. Or take a job in the nursery to get some baby experience if they are hesitant to take people with adult experience only.

I don't know why schools keep telling people you have to have med-surg first, so not true :(

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Ask to shadow in the unit, this way you get to meet people there. Or take a job in the nursery to get some baby experience if they are hesitant to take people with adult experience only.

I don't know why schools keep telling people you have to have med-surg first, so not true :(

Agreed. My instructors all advised me against looking for pedi jobs but I refused to work with adults. I applied to pedi hospitals literally across the country and the first interview and offer I received was from a NICU a few states away from where I lived. I took the chance and ran with it. I left the NICU for the CICU because I want to try out other units while I'm there since I won't live down there forever. Love both units, never plan on working a day with adults (except for the rare ones we get in the CICU)

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Thank you all so much for your help. My husband knows the NICU Manager because he works with their department and is going to ask her what exactly the experience is they're looking for to get my foot in the door. It may be that if I got adult ICU experience first it would help? Or maybe utilizing this personal connection is the way to go. Thanks again for the guidance, and yes staycalm, NRP is what I should have said. Thanks you, thank you, thank you!

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

Are you in the same system? I would go speak to her personally instead of having hubby do it. Or like we suggested, call and ask for a shadow day. We shadow people all the time and then they speak to the unit manager. I know our manager doesn't particularly like when people come to her about jobs for family members, she said it makes it seem they are afraid to contact her. Just something to ponder.

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

I was hired directly into a level 3-b NICU while still in nursing school, because I refused to believe my instructors when they swore I would have to spend at least a year or 2 in med-surg. They also told me I'd never be allowed to do my senior year preceptorship in the NICU.

When the hospital hosted a recruitment dinner for my graduating class, I immediately identified and approached the NICU director, asked her straight out if she'd allow me to precept in her NICU, got her permission, brought over my NS instructors so they could hear it from her lips.

They gave up the fight, allowed me to precept there, and on the first day of preceptorship, I was offered a job in the NICU contingent on graduating and passing NCLEX.

Been here ever since, and love it.

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Specializes in Pedi.
Agreed. My instructors all advised me against looking for pedi jobs but I refused to work with adults. I applied to pedi hospitals literally across the country and the first interview and offer I received was from a NICU a few states away from where I lived. I took the chance and ran with it. I left the NICU for the CICU because I want to try out other units while I'm there since I won't live down there forever. Love both units, never plan on working a day with adults (except for the rare ones we get in the CICU)

I'm not a NICU nurse but I'm with you here. I got hired right onto the floor I did my preceptorship on at my local pedi hospital but I was going to apply to pedi hospitals across the country before I'd even consider taking a job with adults. Have been in peds for the full 6 years of my nursing career and will never go to the adult side.

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Specializes in Women's Surgical Oncology, MIU,MBU.

I'm glad this question was asked because this has been my dream since I got out of school in 2006. But now that I have been off the floor being home with my daughters now 3 years...not sure how I would ever get a chance. I've done Women's Surgical Oncology and Mother Infant...wish I had been given more experience with the babies even though it was nice assisting the moms with their babies.

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Specializes in NICU.

I was the only one of my class to ask for and get a NICU preceptorship in my class. I also met with the manager at that time to express my interest in working there once I graduated. It was explained that they rarely hired new grads and they just had a 'class' of interns. I graduated, worked a year-and-a-half on medical/oncology, and when a posting went up, I applied. I'm due to start there next month.

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Specializes in ICU, OR.

I'm another one with adult experience. Critical care. It's frustrating to not be able to be hired in this area with so much experience.

Or take a job in the nursery to get some baby experience if they are hesitant to take people with adult experience only.

... I would LOVE to work in a nursery. I've been trying.

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