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

Kalico · Apr 17, 2006

I'm having my interview at my DREAM TOP choice NICU facility next week! I've talked to the nurse recruiter at a job fair and realllly hope I could land this job. It's a well respected hospital and offers 12 MONTHS of new grad trainings (2 months training + 10 months residency). So I'm really excited (and nervous). Hope things will go well.
I didn't know hospital would pay for Kaplan. Maybe I should ask about it during interview? Do you talk about salary, benifits, sign on bonus etc during interview too? or wait until hired? Any tips?

I researched all of that information before my interview. The hospital that I was hired at has a separate recruiting department for new grads and my recruiter interviewed me and gave me the chance to interview her before I spoke with the NICU manager. If you can, I would talk with the recruiter about that sort of thing and ask NICU specifics during your NICU interview. Also, find out as much information about the hospital and unit that you want to work in, it makes you look very prepared and interested in the jub. Good Luck on your interview and please let us know how it went!

C'wing · Apr 17, 2006

Thanks Liz, I'll surely keep all those tips in mind.

I still can't believe this time is finally coming...I've been waited for this time to come so bad, yet when it's finally approaching, I'm feeling a little anxious...there's so much to know...so much more to learn (what did we learn in nursing school?) =p

Wish you all new grads the best luck! We've come this far...we can Do it!

PS: A great NICU book to share: Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care by Gerald B. Merenstein & Sandra L. Gardner. ISBN#0323014712. The NICU NM where I'm precepting refers it as "The NICU BIBLE"~

Tiny1Nisolet · Apr 18, 2006

Thanks Liz, I'll surely keep all those tips in mind.
I still can't believe this time is finally coming...I've been waited for this time to come so bad, yet when it's finally approaching, I'm feeling a little anxious...there's so much to know...so much more to learn (what did we learn in nursing school?) =p
Wish you all new grads the best luck! We've come this far...we can Do it!
PS: A great NICU book to share: Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care by Gerald B. Merenstein & Sandra L. Gardner. ISBN#0323014712. The NICU NM where I'm precepting refers it as "The NICU BIBLE"~

Yep, great book. I own it also and refer to it often.

As far as the interviewing stuff goes, I would go in and let them bring up the money and benefits. I would not be the first one to talk money. During my interview at the hospital that I signed on with, I met with three different people before I met with the recruiter. It was during the meeting with the recruiter that the benefits and salary were discussed. Best wishes to you. Let us know how it goes.

NurseTrisha · Apr 19, 2006

Hey!

I had a NICU interview last week...it was very low key and laid back. She gave me a tour of the unit and then handed me a card and told me to contact her after I thought about it. I was so confused?!?! Was she offering me a position or did she mean this is an intense unit make sure you want to do it.

So I took a week to think about it and then called/emailed her to tell her I was interested in taking a job. I haven't heard back. I'm so nervous. All of a suddent I really want this job.

Any idea about her approach? Do you guys think she was offering me a job or was she saying well her's my card you may or may not get a job here.

so confused. help!

Tiny1Nisolet · Apr 20, 2006

Hey!
I had a NICU interview last week...it was very low key and laid back. She gave me a tour of the unit and then handed me a card and told me to contact her after I thought about it. I was so confused?!?! Was she offering me a position or did she mean this is an intense unit make sure you want to do it.
So I took a week to think about it and then called/emailed her to tell her I was interested in taking a job. I haven't heard back. I'm so nervous. All of a suddent I really want this job.
Any idea about her approach? Do you guys think she was offering me a job or was she saying well her's my card you may or may not get a job here.
so confused. help!

Hi Trisha!

Was your interview with the nurse manager or a recruiter? I think if it was the recruiter her approach was to make sure it is what you want. If it was the nurse manager, it could go either way. Did you talk money or benefits? If not, I do not think it was an offer because you do not have the full picture. Just my .02. Let us know what happens and best of luck to you!

C'wing · Apr 25, 2006

Just an update: I finally had my first interview at NICU today! Both the Manager and Assistant Nurse Manager were interviewing. They asked lots of questions...Why NICU? What are my strengths? What's my goal for 5 years? What did I find most challenging during my NICU rotation? What was the sickest baby I've cared for? Why did I want to work at their hospital? and a scenerio case question doing with communication with staffs...And then went on to tell me about the scheduling, the orientation training, tour...etc.

I Arrived on time (about 30min. early...i was sooo nervous~), firm handshake...had extra copies of my resume, cover letter, evaulation and showed them list of things I had done during my NICU clinical rotations (they were pleased)... took notes...At the end, I asked them a few questions about training, staffing, floating (tips from this site =)

I think I did generally well...but I don't know...They told me they have 120+ applicants...and 8-10 openings... :eek:

so...I'm keeping my fingers crossed now...

waiting is painful~

Tiny1Nisolet · Apr 25, 2006

Just an update: I finally had my first interview at NICU today! Both the Manager and Assistant Nurse Manager were interviewing. They asked lots of questions...Why NICU? What are my strengths? What's my goal for 5 years? What did I find most challenging during my NICU rotation? What was the sickest baby I've cared for? Why did I want to work at their hospital? and a scenerio case question doing with communication with staffs...And then went on to tell me about the scheduling, the orientation training, tour...etc.
I Arrived on time (about 30min. early...i was sooo nervous~), firm handshake...had extra copies of my resume, cover letter, evaulation and showed them list of things I had done during my NICU clinical rotations (they were pleased)... took notes...At the end, I asked them a few questions about training, staffing, floating (tips from this site =)
I think I did generally well...but I don't know...They told me they have 120+ applicants...and 8-10 openings...
so...I'm keeping my fingers crossed now...
waiting is painful~

Wanted to wish you the best of luck! Let us know as soon as you find out.

Crossing my fingers with you,

Tiny

Tiny1Nisolet · Apr 25, 2006

Hey guys,

Just wondering if any of you have been invited into Sigma Theta Tau? Are you going to join? It costs $$$ and I am wondering if it has any benefits other than putting it on your resume? Does anyone know?

C'wing · Apr 25, 2006

Thank you, Tiny. I will surely keep posted.

I was debating whether or not to join Sigma Theta Tau too (quite costy), but I did eventually decided to join. It's quite a nursing honor and Internationally recognized. I guess it offers some great networking opportunities (if you attend those meetings)...but mainly...I joined for having something nice to put on my resume (might help with getting into grad school too)

Tiny1Nisolet · Apr 25, 2006

Thank you, Tiny. I will surely keep posted.
I was debating whether or not to join Sigma Theta Tau too (quite costy), but I did eventually decided to join. It's quite a nursing honor and Internationally recognized. I guess it offers some great networking opportunities (if you attend those meetings)...but mainly...I joined for having something nice to put on my resume (might help with getting into grad school too)

Yes, I see what you're saying, I had heard that too. I do anticipate Grad school in my future but I wasn't sure if it really made that big of a difference. I hope others respond here with their opinions. I am curious to see if nurses other than new grads think it is something we should be apart of.

Tiny

Jolie, BSN · Apr 25, 2006

I joined STT 20 years ago (YIKES!) in my last semester of nursing school. It was not easy to go thru the application process, but well worth it, in my mind.

Unlike many "honors" organizations that crop up on campuses, this one truly is a very professional organization that will be recognized by future employers, co-workers, and grad achools. I have attended a few meetings over the years, and have always been impressed by the quality of the presentations, and networking opportunities.

I am now (temporarily) out of practice, and have dropped other professional organization memberships, but will not let go of STT, since membership was hard to come by in the first place. I am charged 1/2 yearly dues since I am not a practicing nurse. I still enjoy the journals, and have kept track of some former classmates, co-workers and instructors that way.

I would recommend applying for membership. It is easier to be accepted as a student than as a working RN, so if you ever want to become a member, now is the time! I don't think you will regret it.

Tiny1Nisolet · Apr 25, 2006

I joined STT 20 years ago (YIKES!) in my last semester of nursing school. It was not easy to go thru the application process, but well worth it, in my mind.
Unlike many "honors" organizations that crop up on campuses, this one truly is a very professional organization that will be recognized by future employers, co-workers, and grad achools. I have attended a few meetings over the years, and have always been impressed by the quality of the presentations, and networking opportunities.
I am now (temporarily) out of practice, and have dropped other professional organization memberships, but will not let go of STT, since membership was hard to come by in the first place. I am charged 1/2 yearly dues since I am not a practicing nurse. I still enjoy the journals, and have kept track of some former classmates, co-workers and instructors that way.
I would recommend applying for membership. It is easier to be accepted as a student than as a working RN, so if you ever want to become a member, now is the time! I don't think you will regret it.

Thanks very much for sharing your knowledge with us Jolie! It is much appreciated.