Do you need a BSN for NICU

[SashaO]

I'm currently enrolled in an ADN program and wanted to work in NICU. We have a preceptorship, however, NICU is not an option. Should I do ICU/ER for the experience? Or would OB be better? Do a majority of NICU RN's have BSNs?

[neonatal_nurse]

BSN would help you a great deal. :)

[RM-RN]

Our hospital doesn't require a BSN to work in the NICU, and our unit is probably fairly even with both ADN and BSN nurses. Whether or not it would help, in my opinion, depends on the individual educational programs and what type of work history you bring with you to the workplace. Similarly, the nursing experiences that would help you for a future in the NICU depends on what level NICU you're looking to work in, and what types of services they provide. I would call or e-mail the nurse manager of the NICU at your hospital and ask him or her.

[theatredork]

A BSN is not required to work in a NICU. I'm a graduate of an ADN program, and spent 1 day in the NICU during my OB/GYN rotation. I don't know if it's any different in a BSN program. Anecdata I've heard suggests that ADN and Diploma programs provide more clinical time than BSN programs, which focus more on theory and management. I could be wrong.

That said, I'm going back to school to complete my BSN this January.

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

On the units where I work, we rarely talk about our degrees. I do know that there are many of us with ADN's. Agree with RM-RN -- some of the answers to your questions are going to vary by region or facility. If you can make contact with the director of a local NICU, that might help you find the best answers.

[NeoNurseTX, RN]

I'm in a level IIIb and we have a lot of ADNs. Lot of BSNs, too. Level II has some LVNs...some float to level III and take stable vents or CPAP.

[Jerico, BSN, RN]

ALL new hires in our NICU for the last four years are required to have a BSN.

We are a large NICU and it is the FOURTH NICU I have been in and it is the BEST hands down for it's standards.