how to get the ball rolling to get NICU

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

Hi there, I hope this is the right place to post this question. Since it applies to NICU nursing, I thought this would be the best forum.

I start LPN school in March and have every intention on furthing my education to become an RN. I'm trying to think ahead to start to get my bearings on how do go about things. Lets assume I am a new grad or newly licensed RN. What department would be best to start off in if NICU is where I want to end up? Is it best to just go for the gusto and apply to the NICU's or should I get my feet wet in another department? I was thinking L&D might be a good start since I would see babies is a big focus in the dept or would it be better to start out somewhere else. I know a majoritiy of NICU wants experience..how do you get that if they won't let you in NICU w/o experience and you can't get experience if they won't let you in NICU..

Any ideas/suggestions on what route would be best to end up in NICU.

[cmarsh333]

I'm A New Grad In Nicu And If It's Want You Want Go For It. The Place I Work Has A Long In Depth Orientation Fo New Grads

[prmenrs, RN]

If you want to "end up" in NICU, start out in NICU. Don't listen to the instructors who tell you to get a year in Med-surg. If you work as an LVN, try to get a job in Mother-baby/post-partum or newborn nursery.

Just be sure to get your new grad job in a NICU that gives a thorough, comprehensive orientation aimed @ new grads.

[lilbug]

I want to get into the NICU as a new grad too!!!! I am in an accelerated BSN program (I have a bachelor's degree in another field) and I graduate this August 2007. I have no experience in the NICU. I'm trying to get a position as a Nursing Assistant II at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. I filled out an application for an RN in the NICU but included that I am interested in starting asap as an NA2 and then as an RN after graduation. I also applied a few weeks ago through my school to do my senior practicum in the NICU at Rainbows so hopefully my school/Rainbows finds me a preceptor for this summer. I'm hoping all of this will help me get my foot in the door. On a side note, I was offered a student tech position at another Children's hospital but had to turn it down because the orientation is during my 5-week classes this summer...though I don't know if it would have been in the NICU or not. They know I am interested in NICU and told me to call back this summer about RN positions available for after I graduate...so I have a possible back up, though I want to work at Rainbows.

My advice, try to get a student tech/nursing assistant position to help lead to a nursing job after graduation. That way, you get experience and are more likely to be hired after you graduate.

[hikernurse]

I'm starting NICU as a new grad as soon as I graduate (five more weeks, yeah!). They have a pretty intensive orientation. Doing your preceptorship in the NICU will give you a good in, too, but I didn't do it that way.

Good luck on your schooling. It really goes fast. Make new friends and study hard and you'll be surprised at how quickly you're where you want to be :)