would like to work NICU

LaNICUnurse · Jun 27, 2006

Hello all!
So, my question is: do I have any chance of getting hired to work in a NICU? If not, what can I do or where could I start getting some related experience?
I appreciate any input! Thanks in advance!
Alma

I'd much rather precept someone who has a clue about the real world than just out of school. I think most new grads who go directly into a NICU, need a reality check first. 2 years experience has given that to you. It sound like you have really educated yourself on things that would help in a NICU.

If you do go to one, give it at least 2 years, before you decide whether you can do it for long. Even then, most good NICU nurses still don't feel like they really know their job. You should be constantly learning, and if you aren't, leave.

Almabella · Jun 30, 2006

Thanks for your reassuring response. Does anyone else have any input? Realistic or far fetched aspiration with my experience?

Thanks again!

fergus51 · Jun 30, 2006

I think it's perfectly realistic as long as you can find a good orientation program.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Jun 30, 2006

You might check as to whether any local hospitals have NICU internships for experienced nurses looking to make a change. However, the clinical skills associated with the NICU are so different from anything else that I don't think you would be at a big disadvantage. Your background certainly includes a lot of experience that will help you with teaching families.

masstudent · Jul 5, 2006

I am a prenursing student who is also interested in working in the NICU and eventually would like to become a neonatal nurse practioner. I have heard on these boards people who feel you shouldn't become a neonatal nurse practioner before you have worked as a nurse which I understand. The program I am interested in is at Northeastern. They have a direct entry program where if you are a 2nd degree student you get your BSN in about a year then work for 6-9 months and then come back to take classes toward you master's. I am not sure if neonatology is an option in this program since I have seen some parts of the literature that say yes and other parts that say no. How important is it to pick a 2nd degree bachelor program at a school that has a master's program in neonatology? I realize there are many other specialities that I have not explored yet so I want to keep my options as wide open as possible but I also want to make sure I keep this speciality as an option. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Almabella · Jul 6, 2006

Well, I'm not an expert on NNP programs (since I don't even work in the NICU--yet!). But as a 2nd degree RN who did an accelerated BSN program I can tell you that what you should worry about is not what master's degree options are available at the school you will attend, but class size, instructor to student ratio for clinicals, and overall NCLEX pass rates. You can always go to a different school for your master's after you work as an RN for a year or two (which I HIGHLY recommend--I was initially in a direct entry BS to MSN/FNP program, and I am sooooo happy I took some time off to get RN experience! I cannot tell you how much I have learned in the 2 years I've been a nurse.)