I know I'm in the boat with a lot of other wonderful people, but im a new grad RN (passed boards last week) seeking NICU. I live in the metro Detroit area of Michigan, and all the NICUs here are packed to the brim. I cannot find any openings in peds or PICU either Unfortunately my house burned down in June and though its the hardest thing ive ever been through, it's left me with no ties to this state and its awful economy.
When i got into nursing school i had no clue what I wanted to do, all i knew i DID NOT want to do was NICU! Those tiny babies scared the ba-jeezus out of me. But then during my OB rotation, i shadowed in NICU and fell in love (I have shadowed in 3 other NICUs since). Im a NANN member and even went to the "Evidence vs. Experience in Neonatal Practices" 2 day conference in Chicago back in July. I know my heart belongs in NICU and that I want to help babies and thier famlies...Ive applied to atleast 35 or so jobs across the country and no bites yet.
Im willing to go ANYWHERE in the USA to get my foot in the door of NICU nursing...so does anyone know any NICUs in need of RNs? Or any advice on what I can do to make myself more appealing on paper for people far away?
Thanks for any info, and god bless all of you guys already in the NICU! :)
I have one firm job offer in Texas (to start late sept.), but I just got a call from a hospital in my home state as well to interview for a part-time NICU job, I also have a couple of places that are still up in the air as to responding back to me, Im hoping for the local job but we'll see!! :)
hello & congrats i am also from michigan. not expected to graduate til may, but i have been researching very early potential jobs. childrens hospital @ the dmc in detroit has a graduate nurse residency program, all of the information is on their website. they have specified deadlines to start, 4 times a year and you are able to choose which unit you would like to work on. good luck
hello & congrats i am also from michigan. not expected to graduate til may, but i have been researching very early potential jobs. childrens hospital @ the dmc in detroit has a graduate nurse residency program, all of the information is on their website. they have specified deadlines to start, 4 times a year and you are able to choose which unit you would like to work on. good luck
hello!
thank you for the info, i applied for that residency for 2 of the cohorts this year and was turned down both times, once they took 20 out of 130 applicants, and the next time they had 6 spots for 80 applicants. unfortunately anyone who already works there as an sna bypasses the 1st interview also..so if you can get in as an sna do it!! heres my advice:
they did not pick me because my essay was not generic enough, i said in my essay that my heart was in nicu, and so they rejected me stupid on my part i know... i didnt really think about it, but, live and learn!
Wow, thanx for the info. I actually applied for every student nurse position they had, still haven't heard anything I figured I needed to get my feet wet before graduation because the DMC is my first choice. I will give them some time before I start calling HR. Thats determination that you tried for two cohorts that should have shown ur dedication to the job. It's sad bc the people they chose have probably already quit/ are planning their next move elsewhere. What exactly were they looking for in ur essay?
Wow, thanx for the info. I actually applied for every student nurse position they had, still haven't heard anything I figured I needed to get my feet wet before graduation because the DMC is my first choice. I will give them some time before I start calling HR. Thats determination that you tried for two cohorts that should have shown ur dedication to the job. It's sad bc the people they chose have probably already quit/ are planning their next move elsewhere. What exactly were they looking for in ur essay?
Well, I think they just want something that basically says "I want to work for childrens, just to get in the hospital, it doesnt matter where you put me" I should have been more generic, but in my essay it was clear that i aspire for the cirtical care areas, and I think to them that was a red flag that if i was put on a med/surg floor I would be looking to transfer to NICU/PICU asap which i dont really believe i would do.
I have shadowed in the NICU,PICU and Burn/rehab unit at CHM and honestly I LOVED it, i was very upset when they rejected me, esp. after i found out the people on the burn unit really liked me, but never got my app due to the 2 residency directors rejecting my essay. *sigh*
Dont give up, and heres a tip too, if you applied for SNA positions at CHM call and ask for Bridget Poley, she is the nurse recruiter AND she can set you up to shadow like i did. GREAT way to meet managers, esp if you applied for their floor. :)
thanx a bunch, :) i will give her a call & see what openings they have, just to get my name out their. u will find the hospital thats right for u. it's great that u r willing to relocate just to assure that u will get into the nicu, & u will they will be very luck to have u. good luck :redpinkhe
Have you thought of moving to the Nashville area? Try Vanderbilt Childrens, Centennial Hospital or Baptist Hospital. Good luck and you're in my prayers!
Thank you for all the replies, I have been applying all over the place, and just had my 1st NICU interview today, they have 5 positions, and I think they liked me so im really hoping and praying!!! :)
Congratulations on the interview! I am also from Michigan and looking for a NICU job. I noticed last month you posted that you interviewed at a hospital with five open positions in the NICU. Was this in Michigan? If so would you mind saying which hospital?
Unfortunately my house burned down in June and though its the hardest thing ive ever been through, it's left me with no ties to this state and its awful economy. 
NeoNurseTX, RN
1,803 Posts
Day shift is super short!