New Grad REALLY interested in NICU

chownykRN13 · Feb 15, 2014

Don't give up!!! Can I ask what school u went to???? Do you have any nursing experience???? And did u follow up on ur interview ???? I have 2 years peds experience as an LVN and I believe it really helped me land a position in NICU aso I was extremely persistent with follow ups and contacting HR and nurse managers ... Loma Linda took 4 rcc new grads for NICU which says a lot about my schools reputation. Also get as many certificates as u can NRP PALS it makes u more marketable! Good luck don't give up on ur dreams ?...... Don't forget loma Linda will be doing another residency applications are in April!

ToughingItOut · Feb 15, 2014

When will you graduate with your BSN? Having your BSN should really help with the job hunt.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Feb 15, 2014

Good luck to you! I know it can tough dealing with the letdowns. If you get another opportunity for a NICU interview, you can use that passion to your advantage. I help with interviews in my current role. I believe that when people are truly passionate about something like that, it comes across to us even in a really intimidating interview setting.

Interview advice could go so many different directions. Here's one important thing to think about: Why, specifically, are you drawn to the NICU? What specific things does the NICU offer you that you won't be able to find in med-surg or ER or a pedi floor or SICU? A lot of people say that the NICU just feels right, but if you have clear and specific reasons that you are passionate about the specialty, it shows that you've done some serious reflection. That one thing can help an applicant to stand out a little bit in a really competitive application process.

Culli005 · Feb 15, 2014

Thank you everyone! I graduated from RCC. I followed up after my interview. I so not have any previous healthcare experience other than volunteering on a mother-infant floor. I do have nrp and pals.

I will graduate with my BSN in May 2015, even though my courses will be completed in March 2015.

I do have clear reasons drawing me to nicu other than oh I just love babies. I am really trying to stay positive. I can't imagine taking a position on any other unit!

HyperSaurus, RN, BSN · Feb 16, 2014

Taking a med/surg position now doesn't completely rule out NICU for the rest of your career. I started in Medical--you get great basic nursing skill experience (time management, comfort interacting with doctors, ect). It's not ideal, but if there's nothing else, it's a foot in the door.

That aside, EricJRN is right, you need to reflect on why specifically NICU? Just loving babies won't be enough in your next interview

chownykRN13 · Feb 16, 2014

Taking a med/surg position now doesn't completely rule out NICU for the rest of your career. I started in Medical--you get great basic nursing skill experience (time management, comfort interacting with doctors, ect). It's not ideal, but if there's nothing else, it's a foot in the door. That aside, EricJRN is right, you need to reflect on why specifically NICU? Just loving babies won't be enough in your next interview

I agree .... Nicu managers doesn't want to hear "I just love babies" nicu isn't all rainbows and butterflies ..... It's more of a very challenging unit that is going to really test u emotionally ...also nicu is not just about babies it's about educating the parents and family .... My suggestion is reapply in April I doubt nicu is going to hire this round but apply to a peds position to at least get ur foot in the door ..... It's rough and many people told me to get med surg experience I have zero interest in med surg and focused and didn't give up on my dreams! Best of luck I know how hard it is

Culli005 · Feb 18, 2014

I think I was misunderstood...I have a reason for nicu. My reason is not because I love babies lol.

How do you know loma Linda is not hiring next cohort for nicu?

Culli005 · Feb 18, 2014

I agree about getting a foot in the door. My only concern is a 2 year commitment for something I do not have a passion for. Any suggestions on taking a position other than acute care? Such as Peds rehab? Or dialysis? Anything else?

ToughingItOut · Feb 19, 2014

PICU would be a great alternative. PICU nurses often take care of NICU type patients, and a lot of PICUs seem to hire new grads. Other than that, peds anything or ICU anything would be the best crossover, but I had the pleasure of precepting several med surg nurses to NICU. Just start somewhere!

HyperSaurus, RN, BSN · Feb 19, 2014

I think I was misunderstood...I have a reason for nicu. My reason is not because I love babies lol.

Not necessarily misunderstood, just covering all the bases--also, I didn't see your reply after EricJRN. Honestly, I don't have a hard and fast reason for why I wanted NICU, besides getting a lot of time there as a student (a lot more than is reasonable :cheeky: ) and being absolutely intrigued by my experiences there, so that was definitely something I had to really think about before my interview there.

I have also googled 'best NICU hospitals in US' and looked at openings at various hospitals mentioned. If you're not opposed to relocating, that's always worth a try.

chownykRN13 · Feb 19, 2014

I think I was misunderstood...I have a reason for nicu. My reason is not because I love babies lol. How do you know loma Linda is not hiring next cohort for nicu?

I don't know for sure that the next cohort isn't going to take new grads for nicu I just know they don't take them for every cohort. They didn't take them for the last cohort but took them this time around. They only hire on the basis if they need more staff..... I agree apply for any peds positions ...totally kids hires new grads in the rehab department ....best of luck I know how frustrating it is