How can I prepare for NICU while in nursing school?

[frequentFLyER]

I'm currently in an ASN program in FL and have a couple questions. Is it going to be practically impossible to build experience with just my ASN in the NICU, as in, will any NICU ever take me with only an ASN? Since I probably won't be able to get in NICU as a first job, where do RN's work first to get experience for NICU? What can I do in school to increase my chances of getting a NICU job? Have any of you started out in NICU fresh out of school? I get worried because this seems to be a popular specialty and it discourages me since NICU nurses don't tend to leave plus the abundance of new grads having trouble finding jobs.

Thanks so much.

[Alicat01]

Thank you so much! I've applied to a direct entry MSN program but they require you to work after getting the RN license. However, they do not award a BSN at this point (although that's what you've essentially completed int he program at this point). I'm curious if this will proclude me from finding hospital experience. I mayb just be better off finding an accelerated BSN program. It also sounds like networking is very important and that you all have been good at that.

Thank you so much for your responses! I hope I can be in your shoes one day soon :)