How to become a NICU nurse?

[ksauce20]

I am starting nursing school in a couple months and my dream has always been to work in the NICU...My only question is how do i go about doing that? Is it something the hospital trains you in or is it something you have to do in school? I have read a lot of articles and stuff online but they do not really answer my question. So I was hoping someone out there is a NICU nurse and could help me out...Thanks!!! :)

[ittybittybabynurse]

I went to NICU straight from school (been there 18 months). There was no training in school. There was only a one day observation, that was it. I learned what I know from orientation, which was about 4 months. I still have lots more to learn. To me, it is very stressful at times because I work in a level IV NICU. I am not at all comfortable with the 23-24 weekers. Babies can go bad literally in a second because their bodies compensate until they just give out. My suggestion is to try to arrange a shadowing day in a NICU, preferably one that may be where you want to work one day.

Godd luck to you!

[ksauce20]

thanks much ittybittybabynurse ...that helps a lot!!