New Grad NICU Support Thread

Specialties NICU

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Calling all New Grad NICU nurses...thanks to a thread started by NurseDevonL, we have decided to start a support group. Hopefully some of our more experienced NICU nurses will look in every so often to lend some support and knowledge as well. Welcome!

niculove:yeah:

Just received awesome news: I landed my DREAM JOB as an RN in a Level III NICU! I will start in June and could not be more excited!! :redbeathe This will be my first RN job right out of school (I graduate in less than a month!!), and my advice to other new grads looking for NICU jobs:

1) APPLY EVERYWHERE! Even if you don't think you'll get a call, you have to apply or you'll never know. If you have the flexibility to move, consider it. Sometimes, your hometown or dream location just isn't hiring at the moment.

2) Use any networking that you can--don't be afraid to call a friend-of-a-friend who knows someone who works in the NICU. It worked for me!

3) Be extremely professional in all your interactions with the hospital, even if the emails or calls they send back seem short or rude.

4) Do anything you can to give your resume a competitive edge. Volunteer in the NICU, get a nurse tech/PCA job, and if possible try to get a senior preceptorship there.

5) DON'T GIVE UP!

I have dreamed of the NICU since I first set foot in one (literally, I would have dreams about it at night, lol). All the time filling out applications, making phone calls, and sending emails paid off! So excited to start in June!

Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

Congrats. :)

Thanks Boratz! I have been creeping on the NICU forum for a long time now lol, and saw that you have a "brain" posted. It looks awesome, and I will definitely be using it! Any advice for special supplies I'll need on the job? My mom is buying me an infant stethoscope for a graduation present (I'm not sure if they'll have individual ones for each baby on the unit), and I'm looking into getting one of those little lights that helps you find veins for IV sticks. Not sure what they're called or how much they cost, but several nurses on the unit I currently precept on have them. Will that be something useful?

Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

That's great, hope the brain is helpful to you. It can be amended in Excel pretty easily to make it more appropriate to your individual needs.

Other than the 'scope, I can't think of anything I've needed that wasn't provided by the hospital. I've only used a light once or twice for IVs, and then just used my old pen light. I still carry a book with me, for when I come across new things with which I'm not familiar. (Core Curriculum) But honestly, I don't use it that often. Did when I was brand new...would go home and read up on the stuff I saw that day.

I remember how excited I was when I first got in my NICU, so I understand what you're feeling. It's an awesome experience...enjoy it!

Good to know! Thanks!! :)

I graduated in June and I'm starting in a level 3 NICU in Chicago. I'm excited and nervous. My grandmother has purchased me lots and lots of child themed scrubs ( though, I prefer solid colors, lol). I have a gazillion questions but I'm sure they've been asked so I'll check through previous posts. If any one has any advice for me, please let me know. I really want to get on the floor and just rock out as a new grad :)

N9nes

Hi, I graduated in December and I will be working in a Level III NICU! I start orientation on September 10th, I'm so excited! I've been working as a camp nurse this summer and this is my last week at camp. My nurse manager recommended I get a NICU text book and do some reading before I start, so I got Core Curriculum-Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing. I'm reading it now as it's a very slow week at camp this time & my boys aren't with me. I got some nice brightly colored & print scrubs too, just not character ones yet, but I'm sure I'll stock up on more once I start working. I just need to get a good pair of shoes & I'm all set! I'm so happy to be joining you all here!

Nurse Connie, I start Sept. 10 too! We will have to keep in touch!

Definitely N9nes!

Hello everyone! I just started in the NICU this week and I was wondering if any of you use or have a handoff sheet that you think could help me. The handoff sheet that my unit provides is very confusing and I'm having trouble developing a system that I like. Thanks!

I'm so excited to see so many others equally as excited as I am about starting as a new grad in my dream NICU career!

I have my NRP hands on mega code tomorrow in the sim center...eek! We didn't get a chance to practice it or anything, they just gave us a book to look over. Hope it goes well.

So how are you guys doing? Yesterday was my first official day in the NICU and I loved it! I spent the day with my preceptor on our transition unit, mostly doing vitals, feeding/changing, learning to assess, etc. I'm going to love it there! How about everyone else?

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