Chances of Getting Into NICU With an ADN

[Hinda, CNA]

I've been told that I'd have a high chance of getting into NICU as a new grad with an associates. Personally, I don't think that's true as desired specialties such as NICU are extremely competitive and I've heard that nurses with their bachelors are often chosen over nurses with their associates. If anyone here is a nurse with an ADN that got into NICU as a new grad or if someone just has advice, please let me know!

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

I am going to guess that my unit is 80-90% BSN and 10-20% ASN. The high BSN percentage is mostly due to a majority of the local nursing schools were BSN schools.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Yes, as NICU guy alluded to - it is highly dependent upon where you live. If you live in a smaller community where there aren't a lot of universities, and the majority of the nursing workforce is ADN nurses, then having a BSN will definitely not be a prerequisite.

As a hiring manager, I really don't pay any attention to the type of degree a nurse has, as long as they are an RN. Far more important are a nurse's work history, and their personality during the interview, and whether I feel they would be a good cultural fit for the unit.

Also, as a new grad ADN, I was hired into an LDRP with a Level II SCN (everyone was trained to everything). 

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

Depends on the hospital and the glorified racket that they may ascribe to-Magnet, etc, which will somewhat dictate ASN/ADN vs BSN ratios. Many will hire ADNs with the caveat that you must get a BSN within x time. Some will assist with tuition etc, others not, or with time constraints. My advice, apply for every job that you want, you'll never get the job that you didn't try for. Best of luck on your nursing journey!

[Rionoir, ADN, RN]

Largely depends on where you live. In Wisconsin, absolutely no problem being competitive for any critical care position as an ADN as the main tech schools here are probably tougher than the BSN programs are. In California... LOL 

[Kgs2017]

As everyone else said it depends on where you're located. If you're willing to relocate then you definitely won't have a problem and you can always move back later. I started at a higher acuity NICU in a smaller/less desirable city that hires ADN nurses all the time. Got a couple of years of experience and then moved to a Magnet hospital in SoCal. Still don't have my BSN but plan to go back to school for it soon.