Best way to get into the neonatal unit when I graduate?

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Specializes in CNA/Nursing student.

I am currently in college working on my ADN and I was wondering, what should I do after I graduate to break into the neonatal unit? I was thinking that after I work as a RN for awhile, I can go for CCRN certification and go for the neonatal resuscitation provider certificate as well. Beyond that, I am not sure if there's anything else I should get certified in that would help me get into this department :confused:. Someday, I would like to become a Neonatal NP:redbeathe but I would already like to work in that unit before I get my higher degrees. What should I do as a student or after I get my ADN that would help me land a position in the N.I.C.U? Thanks:nurse:

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Sounds like you have a few good ideas. But not sure the way the market is if it is possible. A lot of competition with experienced nurses. I think years ago I would of said go for it. I always wanted to work on that unit, too. However, did not want to have to go into the city to work. You might have to start on a different unit. Maybe you can talk to a nurse manager on that unit and they can give you some advice. Good luck.

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Specializes in labor & delivery.

I don't know about anywhere but the hospital I work in. My unit will not take a new grad into the NICU at all anymore. We have a post partum nurse with her BSN and working on her Master's in neonatal nursing education and she has been waiting for at a year to get into our NICU. It is just a very difficult area to get into in my hospital. Here, you cannot get into the NNP program until you have 2 years of NICU experience, which she is trying desperately to get. The only suggestions I have are to try to volunteer or do your externship/preceptorship in the NICU and start networking. It's hard to find a job at all right now as a new grad, so make as many contacts as you can!! That is the way new nurses are getting "in" in my area. Join AWHONN (Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses) and get your NRP certification. They will look good on your resume. Keep going for your dream. :)

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Specializes in NICU.

If you're willing to move, there are many more opportunities available to you. Definitely get your NRP--I got it my senior year in nursing school. I also asked to be placed in a NICU for my senior practicum and went to a level 2/3 NICU.

Good luck! NICU is the best! I would hate to do anything else but...

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Specializes in NICU.

Find out if there is a local unit you can volunteer in while you are in school. Many have cuddler programs, where you could go into the unit and snuggle some of the crankier clientele. There are some days that I am just praying that a cuddler will show up, because I am just too busy to hold and rock my patient as much as they would like. Also, try to gear experiences in school towards the NICU, as well as interactions with parents. If you can precept in the NICU, it is helpful. Shadowing a few times is helpful too. Anything to demonstrate your interest, introduce yourself to staff, and give you a glimpse into the unit.

As far as NNP education, you will HAVE to be a NICU nurse first. You must have 2 years experience in the NICU minimum before starting a program. I think there are a few programs that allow you to enroll, start basic education, and then work as a NNP for 2 years as you get your degree, but you still would have to have a position in order to do that.

There are NICU's that hire new grads. I was hired as a new grad into my unit, and we still hire new grads. We just hired a new batch, in fact. If you are willing to move, you should be able to find a place that will take you on as a new grad, though as PP's have stated the competition can be fierce.

Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC.

I say go for it! A girl that graduated from my CC got into NICU as a new grad. She too heard all of the " but you are a new grad with a ADN" . Well she got the job. Anything is possible even in this job market.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

it all depends on the facility's need at the time you apply. When you are in pedi clinicals try to impress on staff, and supervisor if you get to interact, that you want a job in this area. Ask for guidance. Try applying in a pedi hospital as all their jobs relate to children. Later you might be able to transfer to NICU or go to another facility with experience.

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Great advice.

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My advice is, if possible precept or become a nurse extern in the NICU. You make great contacts and a lot of times people get hired there before graduating. ( I'm referring to Ga an Al right now)

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The local children's hospitals here don't mind new grads. It seems their reasoning is that NICU is such a specialized thing that starting from scratch as a new grad isn't much more challenging than unlearning established habits as an experienced nurse.

If it's what you really want to do, find a unit you can volunteer on, join a professional nursing organization for the specialty and go to meetings. Keep in touch with your peds professors and let them know of your interests and see if they have any advice for your local market. Get good grades and work hard in clinical, and keep an eye out for new grad residency application deadlines (you might need to start applying to some while still in school, others you'll apply once licensed).

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If you're willing to move, there are many more opportunities available to you. Definitely get your NRP--I got it my senior year in nursing school. I also asked to be placed in a NICU for my senior practicum and went to a level 2/3 NICU.

Good luck! NICU is the best! I would hate to do anything else but...

Willing to move where? I am willing to relocate. Where are the jobs at? :idea:

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