Can I work in a level 3 NICU with only level 2 experience?

offlabel · Feb 26

new grads go into level 3's, why wouldn't you be able to?

amalay, MSN, RN · Feb 26

offlabel said:

new grads go into level 3's, why wouldn't you be able to?

I'm just unfamiliar with how the hierarchy of NICUs work! ? when I look at certain job postings where I am for level 3's, they all say "1 year of level 3 experience" specifically

adventure_rn, MSN, NP · Feb 26

You should definitely still apply. In my experience, the 'preferred experience' is more like a wishlist. For instance, if they posted the job and only people with adult med-surg experience applied, they'd eventually have to draw from the applicant pool they have. You may not be quite as competitive as someone with several years of level 3 experience, but you're much more competitive than someone without any neonatal/peds experience. All units should be perfectly capable of adjusting your orientation based on your experience level.

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 22

It doesn't hurt to apply. I think the fact that you have experience in that environment is something! I've reached out to nursing educators in Level 3 Hospitals asking about the hiring process and likelihood of getting hired without any experience in NICU, and they had responded to me and felt supportive. Go for it, follow your dreams!

NICU_Nurse_Casti, BSN, RN · Apr 28

I started as a new grad in a Level IV, and we cross train our Level II nurses over to Level IV all the time. I do not see why you wouldn't be able to move over to a Level III, especially with a decent foundation of Level II NICU experience under your belt.