Looking to start in a NICU

Gompers, BSN, RN · May 12, 2005

Well....definitely look into Chicago Hospitals.

I agree. I think every NICU in Chicagoland hires new grads, and many PREFER them. I've heard of Rush, U of C, UIC, Loyola, Children's, Mount Sinai, Northwestern, Lutheran, Christ, and Evanston ALL hiring new grads.

JelaRN · May 12, 2005

I did my preceptorship in the NICU at Blank Children's Hospital (which is a level 3) in Des Moines, Iowa. They hire new grad's and so does Mercy in Des Moines and University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. It helps if you either work as a CNA or do a internship in the NICU before you graduate. It doesn't hurt to apply though, you never know they might hire you.

Gompers, BSN, RN · May 12, 2005

It helps if you either work as a CNA or do a internship in the NICU before you graduate. It doesn't hurt to apply though, you never know they might hire you.

Right, just try your best to get some NICU experience through school or work, but even if it doesn't happen, still apply for a post-grad job!!!

From what I can tell, hiring someone with even a little NICU exposure is important to many managers. It's not necessarily because the new nurses will be "better" than a new grad with no NICU experience...it's often because the manager is confident that the nurse knows what NICU is about and STILL wants to work there. There are always going to be new grads hired that burn out really quickly and transfer to a different area, because the NICU was more draining than they had expected. If you have had previous exposure, at least you know what all goes on in a NICU and that it's not just "taking care of cute babies" all the time. Not that I think any of the NICU hopefuls on this forum are like that...I'm just showing another reason it's good to have exposure first.

DUMC · May 12, 2005

If you really want to move to NC, you'd have no problem getting a NICU job at either Duke or UNC but I'd definately go with Duke.

Kalico · May 12, 2005

I did my preceptorship in the NICU at Blank Children's Hospital (which is a level 3) in Des Moines, Iowa. They hire new grad's and so does Mercy in Des Moines and University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. It helps if you either work as a CNA or do a internship in the NICU before you graduate. It doesn't hurt to apply though, you never know they might hire you.

The NM at Blank's NICU is the one who told me to get experience in adult med-surg first. I'm definitely looking at University of Iowa and I want to check out Mercy as well. I'm pretty much open to any hospital as long as it has a level 3 or 4 NICU.

Kalico · May 12, 2005

If you really want to move to NC, you'd have no problem getting a NICU job at either Duke or UNC but I'd definately go with Duke.

Do you know of anyone that I should get in touch with at either Duke or UNC?

Jolie, BSN · May 12, 2005

I tried to contact one nurse manager and she told me not to even look at working in a NICU until I had worked at least 2 years as an RN on an adult Med-Surg floor. She said that way I would know that I was sure I wanted to be a nurse and I would have experience. My only problem with that is that the NICU is a far cry from Med-Surg and I am in nursing school strictly to be a NICU nurse. I have wanted to be one since I was 7.

This is, without a doubt, the dumbest advice I've ever heard. I'd expect it from a med/surg instructor, but not a NICU manager!

Most large teaching and referral NICUs hire new grads, and prefer them over seasoned nurses from other fields who often have trouble making the transition to the NICU.

It is difficult to get work experience in the NICU as a student, but peds and mother baby are worthwhile substitutes. Finding a volunteer postition or job as a nursing assistant on one of these units would be very helpful.

Good luck! And definitely check out the opportunities in the bigger cities upon graduation. I started in the NICU at Rush in Chicago, and it was the best experience I could have gotten!

DUMC · May 13, 2005

Do you know of anyone that I should get in touch with at either Duke or UNC?

sure, I can send you a pm

Kalico · May 28, 2005

Can any of you guys give me some advice on how to go about finding a job in a NICU? Like when I should start looking, what I should look for, what I can expect, etc. I would want to start as soon after graduation as I could. I graduate in May of 2006 and really, really want to start in a level 3+ NICU.

Thanks,

Liz:nurse:

cmedina · Jun 11, 2005

Hi all! I am halfway through my ADN program and will graduate with my RN in May of 2006. I am looking for advice on how to get started in the NICU upon graduation. Due to the hospitals that we do our clinical experiences in we do not get any experience with a NICU of any level. I would like to know what I can do to make myself stand out more to future employers and better my chances at obtaining a job right out of school. Also if anyone could give me advice on hospitals to look at in Illinois, North Carolina, Iowa, or Colorado I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Liz:nurse:

I know Childrens Memorial Hospital in chicago has an intern program.

NORIS · Mar 23, 2008

Jolie Hi i just started my cna and i was wondering how hard is it to get hired as a CNA at Rush. I gave birth to my baby on Jan. 2008 and i loved the treatment that I got. All the staff seemed so wonderful!:nuke:

NORIS · Mar 23, 2008

Does any one know the starting rate for CNA at Rush