How did you become an NICU nurse?

[wooosp]

I'm a student and very interested in becoming an NICU nurse. I'm curious to hear how you got into it.

How were you trained?

How long have you been doing it?

What other areas did you work in?

Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[NICU_babyRN, BSN, RN]

I'm thinking you are a nursing student already?

If not, getting into nursing school (if you want to be a nicu nurse) is your first step!

Once in nursing school I did the maternal/child clinical that included 8 shifts in a level II and a level III NICU. (III is higher acuity than II).

Not all nursing schools offer NICU opportunity.

During a summer, I applied for a nurse internship program where I was placed in the NICU (another level III) for 10 weeks NOT as a nurse's aid, but rather, with a preceptor, doing patient care daily. By the end of the 10 weeks, i was basically done with orientation (except of micro-premies under 700grams).

I then applied for a job and became a NICU nurse after graduation.

I had class orientation (fourx8hr days), and NICU orientation for 15wks total including three weeks of "work on your own" during intermediate care before going to the super tiny sick guys.....

HOpe this helps!

[NeoNurseTX, RN]

How were you trained? I had an orientation on the job.

How long have you been doing it? since this past Jan, but I did a semester in it in school.

What other areas did you work in? none! i am interested in nothing but NICU.

[texas2007, BSN, RN]

How were you trained? Had a 5-6 month orientation with a preceptor who would choose different assignments

How long have you been doing it? 9 months

What other areas did you work in? Went straight to nicu when I graduated!

[preemieRNkate, RN]

I'm a student and very interested in becoming an NICU nurse. I'm curious to hear how you got into it.

How were you trained?

After nursing school, I got a job in a level III NICU and never looked back! My orientation was 3 months once on the job.

How long have you been doing it?

4 years.

What other areas did you work in?

None as a Registered Nurse. I work as an aide while I was in school. I was in the float pool, so I went to all the med-surg areas, tele and ED.

Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Good luck to you!