Hey May 06 grads..any of you seeking NICU?

ShannonSRN · Dec 9, 2005

I GOT THE JOB! :balloons: I will be a clinical tech until I get my seating pass for the boards, then I will be on my way to becoming a teriffic NICU nurse! My prayers have been answered! :nurse:

Kalico · Dec 9, 2005

I GOT THE JOB! :balloons: I will be a clinical tech until I get my seating pass for the boards, then I will be on my way to becoming a teriffic NICU nurse! My prayers have been answered!

Congratulations!!! :balloons:

Can you tell us some of the interview questions you were asked?

FutureNICURN · Dec 9, 2005

It's me, shannonSRN, I changed my name, YEY!

I will tell you...it was somewhat unorthodox! I made the portfolio (resume and references up front) they never even looked! (I was a bit upset, I worked hard on it, lol) The recruiter gave me information on pay, benefits, etc..., I was then introduced to the asst. mgr. of the unit, she asked me questions such as to describe my previous duties at my last job, how I dealt with a difficult patient or family member. That was all...she then spent about 45 min showing me the unit, that took longer than the question answer session!

It was much less stressful than I thought it would be! It's our dream job, it should be stressful for us, but I think we make it a bit worse on ourselves than we should! (I only know that now!) It was a good thing I wore a suit jacket, we'll just leave it at that, lol!

Oh well! Stick to the portfolio, someone will want to look at it! I am still going to one more interview, just to check out the competition! They wanted references from professors, transcripts, the whole-nine, so I know they will want to look at the portfolio!

Good luck to all, I will let you know what happens with the other interview, they seem to be very formal!

tanaynicole · Dec 10, 2005

Hey there,

I'm a May '06 that is also very interested in a NICU placement. I have put in my precept request and NICU is my very first choice.

But I have a few questions? in reading the thread I see that a few of you have already started the interview process. How does that all work out when we still have months of school, and the boards to take? Are these hospitals holding positions? or what? Also what exactly are you putting in these portfolios? What more than your resumes and maybe a letter of recommendation would be needed?

I'm just trying to figure out if I'm way behind or if it is just different out here in California?

Anyways keep the great information coming it's helpful to us all!!

Good luck to everyone

Tanay

Tiny1Nisolet · Dec 10, 2005

Super!! Good for you!! Way to GO!! Congrats!!

Kalico · Dec 14, 2005

I'm so excited!!! The recruiter at the hospital that I want to work at just got back to me and told me that I have an interview scheduled for the 29th with the NICU there!!!! Any help in preparing for the interview would be much appreciated.

Tiny1Nisolet · Dec 14, 2005

I'm so excited!!! The recruiter at the hospital that I want to work at just got back to me and told me that I have an interview scheduled for the 29th with the NICU there!!!! Any help in preparing for the interview would be much appreciated.

Check out Monster.com, they have a good site, with lots of tips. I have one more final on Friday and then I am going to start getting my res together. I am not making a portfolio, just a res and ref.

Are you guys done with finals.

It feels so good.

FutureNICURN · Dec 15, 2005

Happily done with finals, we took them last week! It is quite nice to relax a bit now...but I am already working on next semester...we have reading assignments and case studies due the first week. The fun never stops!

Good luck on finals!

Kalico · Dec 16, 2005

My school runs on quarters instead of semesters so I won't have any finals until mid-February. My Christmas Break will be spent working on case management paperwork, studying for 2 Med-Surg tests, and interviewing. Unfortunately I don't get much of a break but I will get to spend it with family so that will be nice. Good luck on your finals for all those that have them.

premielover · Jan 5, 2006

It is so refreshing and exciting for me to read these threads and the excitement of all of you!!It is such an inspiration. My unit offers new grads an interview to be accepted into the internship program-after the internship you are oriented 6 weeks in the Level 2 to become comfortable and develop some confidence and skills,you work there for 6 months, then off to Level 3 for another orientation. We would love to have you!!!!Good luck to all of you.Drop me a message!!

Tiny1Nisolet · Jan 5, 2006

Hi premielover,

Thanks for your reply. I think a question that most of us would find very helpful is: What, in your opinion, makes a strong candidate for the NICU. Most of us are in the process of getting our resumes out and filling out applications. It is always beneficial to hear from someone who is already there. Many thanks.

nicurnkellie · Jan 5, 2006

Girls, Girls, Girls! (and boys) Take a deep breath! You have come through the toughest part. I am one of the "seasoned" gals that has the pleasure of training new nurses. So here are some pointers:

1. Be Yourself

2. Never be afraid to ask questions

3. Be Yourself

4. Be a "hands-on" learner

5. Be Yourself (getting my drift?)

6. Seek out every opportunity available (ie, watch procedures, observe births, surgeries, etc.)

I am sure there are many more, but start with these and you will be a success. You are about to embark on one of the most wonderful areas of nursing. You will have good days and bad days, see miracles and tragedies. You will laugh and you will cry. You will also be amazed at how excited you get from a BM!! (ha ha!) There will be death, but much more life. Those little guys are tougher than you would ever believe and they will inspire you and change you forever! Good Luck to you all and I look forward to possibly working with some of you down the road. :)