Can ADN nurses land jobs in the NICU?

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Okay first of all I DO NOT MEAN for this to become yet another ADN/BSN bash....I genuinely have a question.

I am taking prerequisite courses to get into a community college RN program. This is my last semester of prereqs, so i'm good to go.

I am an aspiring NICU nurse. I have been browsing these boards and it seems that many NICU's are hiring BSN's only? Is this true? I figured I would post in the NICU section....

p.s: any information about michigan specifically would be appreciated :)

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Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

It does seem to vary from area to area, so it will be interesting to hear from folks from Michigan. I think there are plenty of places that do still hire ADN's to the NICU. I think we will find while the economy is depressed that many nurses who normally choose to not work, are choosing to work right now if their spouse is unemployed/underemployed. So for right now employers can be a little more choosy. When the economy stabilizes, one will be able to get more of one's choice of jobs and ADN or BSN will matter much less. But even at this time, employers in my area of the country are still hiring new grads (ADN & BSN).

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Specializes in Level III NICU.

Well, I landed a job in a NICU with an associate degree! It was 5 years ago, and currently my unit has no openings, but last time we hired new nurses it was pretty evenly mixed with graduates of both types of programs. Honestly, I wouldn't even know who has what type of degree amongst my coworkers unless I asked. I guess it really depends on the hospital, I'm in NY.

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Something I wish I would have done while I was in school was work as a unit clerk in the NICU. It would help you learn SO much and it is a good way to get a job as a RN when you graduate. Our unit clerk just got his RN and is starting on days! Most of us have to start on nights before we can move to days.

I just started in the dept with my ADN, btw. You will LOVE it!!! Best job EVER!!!

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

Yes, we can. I just got a job offer yesterday at a Magnet facility. I will be graduating with an ADN in December. I also have a BS, I wonder if that helped.

The recommendation to work in the NICU as a tech/clerk is an excellent one. Most of the time, they will hire from within and you will get first crack at the position when you are ready to graduate.

Good luck!!

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