Should I take NRP/STABLE?

Specialties NICU

Published

Hi, everyone!

Little about me: I've been working in a 31-bed MedSurg unit for little less than 2 years now and I've been thinking about transferring to NICU. My senior practicum was not in NICU, and my interest in NICU started beginning of this year when I visited my nephew who stayed in NICU for a couple weeks. I love babies but I'm more attracted to and fascinated by the science side of it.

I thought I should re-write my CL and resume before it's too late. Since all of my experience is with the adult population, I thought taking NRP and STABLE certification would make my resume stand out. But in multiple threads, I heard this is not necessary and some even said this will look bad on a resume. Is this true?

Also for everyone who transferred to NICU from a different unit, how did you do it? Any word of advice would be appreciated!

Thank you so much in advance!

Specializes in Obstetrics.

I am a new grad. (for disclosure I am also a direct entry licensed midwife). I have NRP, and STABLE and was told it was one of the reasons I was hired straight into the level 3b NICU. So I can say for me, it helped. I don't really understand how it would hurt - since most NICU's require you to have both anyway?

Good luck!

babyNP., APRN

1,922 Posts

Specializes in NICU.

Go for it if you can swing it. It will show your seriousness. You will need to study though, if you have no background, it will be hard. I took NRP as a nursing student, so it's totally doable. I don't understand why it would look bad...

NICU Guy, BSN, RN

4,161 Posts

Specializes in NICU.

The problem may be getting into one of the classes. Our classes are posted on our internal education portal. The nurses/RT/MD that are required to have NRP for their job are given priority. You sign up for the class but are not enrolled until the clinical educator approves you.

While having NRP or STABLE will not hurt you, it may not help much since all new hires need to have it anyway, you just got yours a few months early. I didn't have NRP or STABLE prior to getting hired into a Level IV NICU.

bibimake, BSN

14 Posts

Specializes in NICU.

Thanks for the responses!

Besides NRP and STABLE, how should I express my interest to NICU? All of my experiences are adult med/surg... I am having hard time with making my resume to stand out.

NICU Guy, BSN, RN

4,161 Posts

Specializes in NICU.

If you are set on going from Adult Med/Surg to NICU, then there is not much on a resume that will stand out since you do not have ICU experience. You need to use the cover letter to make you stand out. Other ways to get to the NICU would be to get a job at a children's hospital and make an internal move to NICU.

+ Add a Comment