any neonatal nurses???

Take a look inside yourself Minnie. A neonatal nurse is born, not made, so what characteristics do you possess that would be admirable in a NICU setting? Why are you passionate about it? Is it just because you love babies or is there something deeper that drives you? Almost nothing of what you learned in adult nursing will be applicable in a NICU, in fact you will have to unlearn quite a bit so don't focus on what you can bring from ADULT nursing, focus on what YOU can bring as a person and as a compassionate nurse. These are critically ill newborns whose family is riddled with guilt and pain because they feel they could have prevented what their newborn is going through...and some of them could have been able to, so you will have to be able to suppress your urge to judge. If you're going to work in a level III NICU, you will have to be able to think critically and quickly on your feet. These are the sickest babies you will ever come across. Are you organized? Are you able to think independently but work cohesively? You will learn a whole new definition of team player if you work in a NICU. You will have to be kind, compassionate, patient, able to deal with concerned families hovering and asking lots of questions that you may not know the answers to. If you are able to do all of this you will make a wonderful NICU nurse. Remember, everything you need to get this job is already inside of you. Let your passion show through, especially in your cover letter. Good luck and keep us posted!

Minnie, I'm a NQ and now working on a neonatal unit. However, I'm child branch trained, so I have no advice on the adult branch side of things.

But, as October Bride said, it'll be what you can offer that they'll be interested in. I only applied for neonatal posts before I qualified, as I knew that's what I wanted to do - I applied for 9 and was shortlisted for every single one. Since I'm newly qualified, it certainly wasn't experience that impressed them - I think it was the passion in my personal statement. At the interview for the job I took, I had to write a 200 word essay about family centred care, so have a look at that.

You'll be going for Band 5 posts, so they won't expect the world of you, so don't feel pressured. Just let your passion and dedication to that area of nursing shine through.

Outta curiosity, where in England do you live?

West London. There were loads of neonatal jobs going in London recently.

Minnie, I'm not sure if you saw it, but there is a neonatal forum located here: http://allnurses.com/forums/f33/

Just keep in mind that GOSH wants you to have one year post-registration experience, even for Band 5 posts.