Advice for new grad?

[shinyblackcar]

Hi everyone, I'm graduating in 4 weeks with my BSN and am very interested in NICU/newborn nursery or PICU nursing. I am in an accelerated program and had only 6 days of OB clinical and 6 days of peds clinical. I spent 1 day in the PICU, 0 days in the NICU. I am currently in my transition clinical and do not have the opportunity to rotate through any of those units, as we have to do all of our clinical hours in a facility that does not serve the pediatric population. I am starting to apply for jobs and am nervous that NICU/PICU managers won't take me seriously because of my lack of experience. I haven't had the opportunity to do summer internships, etc. due to the nature of my nursing program.

Any ideas/suggestions about how to get my foot in the door?

[Imafloat, BSN, RN]

I would start by applying at children's hospitals. Look for NICU/PICU jobs to apply for. If the hospitals don't have any NICU/PICU openings, find another unit that intrigues you and apply there, that way you will have your foot in the door. Look at the other hospitals too and see if they have NICU/PICU openings and apply for them. Best of luck to you.

[UTVOL3]

At my old hospital the OB, Peds/PI and NI were all under 1 director. So we shared staff quite frequently especially if someone had an area they really wanted to get into.

You could ask about that in your interveiws. Most managers are glad to have someone who seems enthusiiastic about being pulled or crosstraining.

[Galore]

I did an accelerated program too and was in a very similar position. I applied for spots in L&D, Peds, and NICU at one hospital that heavily recruited our school, and got job offers for both Peds and NICU. It can definitely be done, and don't let your lack of experience deter you. Managers are looking for a number of qualities, and whether or not they see you as a good fit and passionate about the unit could be just as important as experience.

[LauraTheNurse]

If it does not happen for you start with med surge or whatever else you like. Get your one yr experience and more doors will open for you