How to get NICU new grad job?

[boyee418]

Hi everyone. I'm currently a nursing student graduating this December (2014). I'm extremely interested and passionate about the NICU. I was hoping to get a preceptorship in the NICU for my last semester in nursing school, but unfortunately, I didn't get it due to limited openings. My preceptorship will be in Med Surg. I am NRP certified, volunteered in NICU and Postpartum at CPMC in SF, volunteered at the Bay Area Crisis Nursery and got some experience in taking care of newborns and children under 5.

NICU is my dream job, but without that NICU preceptorship, I feel like my chances of getting into a NICU New Grad job is extremely slim. Any advice for me? Any insight? Thanks.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

I graduated in August, did a capstone preceptorship at Level IV NICU and haven't had an interview yet at any of the NICUs I applied to.

[jpeters84]

As a RN in a San Francisco Level IV NICU I will tell you the only way to get a new grad job in the NICU is to leave the state. That is what all of our CNA's and nurse aides have to do. That is what I did and I was able to come back after three years. It was the best decision I ever made. So the long and short of it is that you're going to have to leave the area to truly get that coveted new grad position in the NICU. Best of luck to you!!!

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

As a RN in a San Francisco Level IV NICU I will tell you the only way to get a new grad job in the NICU is to leave the state. That is what all of our CNA's and nurse aides have to do. That is what I did and I was able to come back after three years. It was the best decision I ever made. So the long and short of it is that you're going to have to leave the area to truly get that coveted new grad position in the NICU. Best of luck to you!!!

I have applications in about 4-5 states (numerous in Texas). I will pretty much go any place that will give me a job in a NICU.