Help! I want to work in NICU, but can't get hired!

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Specializes in M/B, Peds,Tele,M/S.

I passed the NCLEX in 2002. My first job was on a Cardiac surg. step down/Tele Unit. It was not for me. So, then I got a job on OB/Mother/Baby unit in a different hospital. I worked there for just over 2 year and I really enjoyed the job but had to leave it due to family problems. Ever since then I really want to work with babies. I REALLY want to work in a NICU! But I have not been successful at acquiring a job. Well, I do have a job now, in home health pediatric private duty for medically fragile children. But, everytime I go for an interview at a hospital they don't call me back. I don't know if I'm saying something wrong at interview or what. My facial expressions often say something different than I want them too it seems because people make comments that I look like I'm confused or tired, when I don't feel that way! Can anyone offer any suggestions of how I might be able to get into a NICU? I always get the response that they want experience, but how do you get experience if no one hires you?! Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. :uhoh3::redpinkhe

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Are you saying that the people conducting the interview are saying that you seem confused or tired?

If that is true, then you have just found out what the problem is.

I would also think that there could be an issue with your employment history. Do you have large gaps between jobs where it could be obvious that you quit without a notice?

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Specializes in M/B, Peds,Tele,M/S.

Hopefull2009,

No, I get these comments when I'm talking to my friends of family and sometimes from co-workers. As far as my employment history, it is kind of eluding probably. Before I graduated from nursing school I worked in a clinic as Medical Assistant/Office Manager for 20 years. I started one doctor's practice with him and he depended on me completely. But it doesn't seem to count for any nursing positions. They just seem to ignore that part of my life. After becoming a nurse my employment doesn't appear very stable because I worked 10 mos. in Tele and quit in Nov. 2002 and didn't work full time again till March 2003. But, I was still working part-time for the Dr. and doing agency nursing at some hospitals. My main problem during this time was the fact that my mother, whom I lived with all but 5 years out of my life, died of gallbladder CA in Oct. 2002. I became very, very depressed after this. My concentration was badly affected and that's why I had to quit the Tele job. Also once I got work in the M/B unit, I was not REALLY better but I tried to tell myself I was. It's a long complicated story but I think I have ruined my chances of getting a nursing job in a hospital. This makes me more depressed, I feel like I have ruined my life and I don't know what, if anything I can do. It seems that the hospitals ignore the fact that I work agency also. The agency I work for really likes me too. Do you have any ideas of what I might be able to do to build a reputation with hospitals? Or does anyone who reads this have any advice for me? I will really appreciate it. Thanx

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

When filling out an online/paper application, I would simply enter "resume available upon request," and be ready to explain once you've gotten in the office door.

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Specializes in M/B, Peds,Tele,M/S.

At this time I am working on getting my BSN through an on-line course. Should I maybe wait until I complete it and then will I be able to start out like a new grad?

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