Any new grad RNs in NICU?

umcRN, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2012

I started out in a NICU. Nothing too special (except that I applied 6 months before I graduated), I worked as a tech in an adult cardiac surgery unit during school but was determined to work peds/icu after graduation. I literally applied to every children's hospital along the east coast then the multiple others scattered throughout the US. I did end up relocating about 10 hours from home for the job.

CoraBeth RNC-NIC · Jul 2, 2012

I started in the NICU right after graduation. I did my final senior year clinicals there and pretty much harrassed the manager. I called her or emailed her every few days to let her know I was interested and really wanted the position.

I really hope you get the position!! Good luck!

Kayla.J.RN · Jul 2, 2012

It's been a few months now that I have been sending out tons of applications for peds, picu, nicu, L&D, and mother-baby. Every place was asking for at least 1-2 years experience and since I am a new grad I was starting to feel like there was no hope. It's good to hear that others have gotten jobs in NICU straight out of nursing school. I feel like there is hope and I think my chances are good.

When I sent out the application on wednesday.. I didn't think I would get a call at all... let alone on the same day as I applied. The nurse manager called me and said "I remember interviewing you for your externship... your nurse manager and the nurses on L&D speak highly of you... would you like to come in on Friday for an interview?"

During my interview... the NICU nurse manager stated again that they speak highly of me on L&D... she asked me like three questions and then began giving me detailed information about the unit... the nurses... and how I would surely get along with staff. It seemed to me like she was talking to me as if I already got it.... but I don't want to keep my hopes too high because she said she still has people to interview. :-/

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2012

sound pretty good. when the hiring person says, "i remember you... they speak highly of you ... would you like to come in for an interview..." those are all more than pro forma phrases.

sometimes a critical care area will hire an exceptional new grad with promise (and excellent recommendations from people well-known to the interviewers) so they can teach him/her their way from the beginning, not having to make him/her unlearn bad habits. maybe this time, that's you. good luck!

symphie · Jul 2, 2012

I will be a new grad as of August 11th. I signed for a job in a Level III NICU last week to start in late August and still can't really believe it. I have no NICU experience besides during my OB rotations. I've never worked in the healthcare setting. My previous employment was 2 1/2 years in child care for ages 6 weeks-12 years. Basically, I went into the interview really selling that this was my dream job, that I knew that this was exactly what I wanted to do, that I would do everything possible to learn and excel on that floor and in that hospital. She gave me the job on the spot.

All of this to say, it is definitely possible! I really, really hope you get the job! :)

nicurn426 · Jul 2, 2012

I graduated in may and will be starting in the nicu in a week! Super excited!

Good luck to you!

heartNICU · Jul 3, 2012

I am also a new grad (May 2012) and will start my NICU position in August. Can't wait!

Good luck to you! I really hope you get it!

Plover1 · Jul 5, 2012

I graduated in December of 2011. I recently was offered a nicu level III position that starts in about 2 weeks. no nicu or hospital experience. I just talked about how i really wanted this job, talked about the hospital, surveys, getting my nrp, my clinical experience there on another unit, and my experience there as a patient when i was younger. it was only two spots for the nicu gn position and i am just happy and blessed to be in one of them. good luck hun. i hope you get it.

Kayla.J.RN · Jul 5, 2012

Tomorrow it will be a week since my interview. I know that it is still early, but I'm wondering how long it took for any of you to hear back from your employer? When do you think it is appropriate to follow up after the interview? About 2 weeks?

Thanks everyone for your stories. I hope that I can get a NICU position as a new grad like I've read from so many others on this site now.

nicurn426 · Jul 5, 2012

I think that it is appropriate to contact HR to followup about your position. I knew that day, but my situation was a little different (I already worked in the nicu as a tech during school).

Good luck!

heartNICU · Jul 5, 2012

I heard back two days after my interview that I got the job. If the nurse manager said she would make a decision after July 4, I would think that you should hear back within the next week. I think it would be okay to contact HR on Monday to follow up. Good luck!