Graduate/Direct Entry NICU Experience (TX or OH)

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Calling NICU Nurses -

I am currently in the graduate entry MSN program at Ohio State specializing in neonatology. To become a board certified NNP two years nursing experience in the NICU is required. I am currently trying to figure out which hospitals accept/hire graduate entry nursing students during this two year period. I know both OSU and Nationwide Children's hire OSU grad entry student. I am looking to potentially relocate to from Ohio to Austin, TX for my 2 year RN work period if I can find a job. After hours of research I cannot find out if the NICUs in Austin will hire graduate entry student.

I would love any insights about NICUs in Austin TX and if they hire grad/direct entry student with their RN during the required 2 year work period?

Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU.

You have to realize that there are only a few programs that do as you describe. No one will likely know what you are talking about unless it's affiliated with the university you are currently attending and what's more, you are less likely to be hired with that facility if you tell them that unless you can strike some kind of work deal where you work for them as a NNP afterwards.

My advice is just to apply as a new grad RN, as that is what you will be (right?) If they ask about grad school plans specifically you can say that you've considered it in a few years time. Don't offer the information. It's hard enough to get a job into the NICU as it is, why would they have the incentive to hire you just for two years?

But you shouldn't feel bad for working for just two years as they will have received their ROI (return on investment) in you for the time they took to orient you. So just apply as a new grad RN anywhere you like. Best to get it in a large level IV NICU. Delivery skills are important, but the exposure to the critical care and range of diagnoses part that a level IV children's hospital affords you is much more important. When you get down to it, NRP is basic skills, following an algorithm. But then again, you get what you get for getting a job.

Last piece of advice: don't tell your new co-workers what you are planning on doing until you've gotten to know them well and have been there for awhile (like off orientation and feeling okay about things) or not at all because NICU nurses (in my experience at several hospitals) can be a mixed bag as far as support for going to grad school. Many of them will view it as a direct challenge that you think you are better than them. Look up SteveNNP's old posts for more on this. You need all the help you can get as a new nurse and you don't want to jeopardize your relationships with the experienced nurses who will help you when you're drowning. It's an unfortunate attitude (although certainly not a universal one, it's actually not too bad at my current facility), especially considering the shortage of NNPs nationwide with programs closing and the average age of the NNP is pretty high.

edit: here is that post (wow I'm getting old, this was 6 years ago. I remember reading it with just 1 year experience and wondering how I would feel. Now with 1.5 years as a NP, I can tell you that I didn't need all my nursing experience that I got to be successful, but I had 6 years. 4 was probably enough)

https://allnurses.com/nurse-practitioners-np/vent-about-resentment-384231.html#post3562170

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especially considering the shortage of NNPs nationwide with programs closing and the average age of the NNP is pretty high.

Do you expect this trend to continue? Do you think there will be a large demand for NNP's in the coming years?

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Specializes in NICU.

Well, nobody's getting younger and programs aren't expanding, so I expect so! ICUman, I'm starting to feel a connection with you and The Police if you catch my meaning ;) Probably they will have to roll out more PAs to meet the demand or change the role.

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ICUman, I'm starting to feel a connection with you and The Police if you catch my meaning ;)

Good to know, thanks. Haha, what exactly is meant by that?

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Specializes in NICU.
:)
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I can give you a little info on Austin. UT has a direct entry program and the local hospitals are familiar with it and do hire direct-entry RNs.

One concern though is will you have a nursing degree? At UT's program they earn their RN after the first year, but can only practice in Texas until they finish their masters. Will your Ohio license be useable in TX?

Another consideration is that Austin has an absolute glut of nurses graduating every year. All nursing positions are very competitive, but especially those focused around maternity.

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Specializes in NICU.

But UT Austin doesn't offer this for NICU, only in adult & psych. The needing clinical experience for a direct entry program is pretty common amongst adult nursing, but not NICU nursing, which is its entirely own entity. The vast majority of NICU managers will have no idea what she is talking about.

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:)

Sorry if that's a bad thing…I just like to do my research, so I can make the right choice. I like that song. I'm not sure of the connotation of that song referenced you want me to understand.

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Specializes in NICU.

It's known as a song about a person stalking someone else (many people wrongly think that it's "romantic" song). Just a joke, ICUman. You just reply to so many of my posts and this one was within 20 minutes of me posting that I found it to be funny :)

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Grumble88-

Thanks so much for all the info! I will be sitting for my nursing boards in OH next winter and plan to switch my license to TX if I can potentially get a job. Therefore, I will be an RN when applying. It is comforting know that they at least have direct-entry programs so I won't be a complete anomaly!

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Specializes in NICU.
Grumble88-

Thanks so much for all the info! I will be sitting for my nursing boards in OH next winter and plan to switch my license to TX if I can potentially get a job. Therefore, I will be an RN when applying. It is comforting know that they at least have direct-entry programs so I won't be a complete anomaly!

Not sure if you saw my post or not, but like I said, UT Austin's direct entry program has no NNP specialty in it, only adult programs. You're new to the world of nursing (I presume) so keep in mind that the adult world is completely different from the NICU world and they don't interact much. You *will* be an anomaly and your best bet is to not say what you're there for. Also, you don't have to have an Ohio RN license before you get a Texas license. It's a common misconception. I went to nursing school in one state, took the NCLEX in another, and my initial license was in a third state. I actually did the same thing for my NP license (not on purpose, just worked out that way).

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