How can I get into NICU?

[Sulyan, BSN]

Hello everybody!!

I would like to have any orientation about how to get in NICU. Quick background, I studied nursing in my country. I have 4 years of experience working as a RN there which includes, 1 year of hospital, 1-1/2 years as community health nurse and 1- 1/2 year as a home care nurse. Four years ago I moved to the USA, I started the whole process to become an RN in MD, I also took a refresher course because of I was inactive for more than 3 years. Now I have my license and I would like to work in NICU or Pediatric nursing. However it has been so hard for me to find a job due to my unemployment gap of 4 years here in USA. I have applied for many hospitals in the area in NICU, maternity, labor/delivery, so far no news form them.I would like to get any advice about which positions should I apply that can help me to become a Neonatal RN, or pediatric RN. I'm feeling so frustrated, yesterday I went to a event for hiring nurses and I was told that my experience in my country doesn't count, and I should apply as a new grad. However I was looking for jobs as a new grad but most hospitals offer position for residency programs that will start next year. I can not wait any longer. Please somebody help me, I need an orientation about this. Thank you so much.

[llg, PhD, RN]

You may need to start your US career by working in a different type of unit. Not everyone gets jobs in NICU/peds, etc. -- particularly as a "new graduate." You may need to first establish yourself as a successful and capable nurse in this country before you will have a chance to be hired into some of the most popular jobs.

I recommend applying for jobs in adult med/surg in hospitals that also have NICUs and peds units. Make a good reputation for yourself in another section of the hospital and then after a year or two, try to transfer to one of the areas that are among your top choices.

If you can't get any job in a hospital, then take what you can get ... and do volunteer work with kids or in a hospital of your choice. Once you have a good reputation, your chances of being offered a job may improve.

[Jesuslover]

Yea usually it can be quiet difficult to find a job in that field with no experience and so forth. My advise to you is you can start from a medsurge floor and after working there' for a while you can transition into nicu..L&D or any field you're interested in going in. Stay blessed.

[Sulyan, BSN]

I'm sorry for my delayed reply. Thank you so much for your advice. I've been so busy looking for jobs and It's been so hard. No news from anybody . So far I applied for residency program for a Intermediate care in a cardiac Unit as well as NICU residency program. They are going to start at the end of October. But as I said no news. I'm really tempt to go in person drop off my resume.

[citybsnrn08]

I was also a foreign graduate no experience nurse. I got my first nursing job in the US in a sub acute rehab facility. In my experience, and from a couple of foreign nurses i know these field is almost always the only area that hires no experience nurses. Its a tough job with a 15-20:1 patient to nurse ratio but once you get your 6months -1 year of experience, try to get out! I got a job in nicu after 9months in these field. The quick turnover of patients and varying diagnosis will give you enough knowledge to put up in your resume and brag about in your interviews. Also try dialysis centers, they offer start up training to no experiences nurses and dialysis centers pop up everywhere nowadays. Good luck! It is never too late, just keep trying and don't be picky. You'll get there!

[Sulyan, BSN]

citybsnrn08 Thank you so much for your advice. Still very hard trying to find something. It's so frustrating when they tell you your experience in your country equal Zero. I will try to look for jobs in the areas you just mentioned. I will never give up. I always remember what my friend told me "We fall down, we get up, we clean up the dirt on our knees and we keep walking". [/COLOR][/font]