How to get into the NICU?

afterseason, ASN, RN · Jun 6, 2012

Bump. I have the same question. Hope someone has answers!

Just a Dose · Jun 6, 2012

NRP for sure. If you can't get into NICU, try New Born nursery. Or other women services. L&D you see the baby coming and will see resuscitation. PALS certification for PICU, which has a lot of the babies that need surgical interventions done in phases. In one way, it's good to stick with only one, so they know that's your dream. But we all know how keeping your options open helps.

I was in the Adult ICU and I know how much applicable knowledge I bring to the table, but HR and Pedi Units dont usually see it that way - they think Neonatal, Pedi, Women services or nothing. My NICU has hired a lot of ICU nurses and found them really easy to train, so they tap into that resource of nurses, where as new grads often got transferred to the Nursery, or did orientation in phases.

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Jun 6, 2012

Honestly, the certifications won't mean to much if you haven't the experience to apply what you learn. You have to do mega codes and to do that you need to have experience behind you. We have our girls take it when their orientation is done. Also, most hospitals include this in their orientation and it is paid for. Really, when we interview we look at your enthusiasm and why you want to work in NICU. And don't say, because I think the babies are cute lol That isn't a good answer lol

EarthhAngel2013 · Jun 7, 2012

Well in response to why I want to work in the NICU.

I was a preemie, born at 24 weeks, I weighed 1lbs, 8oz. I know that had it not been for the amazing abilities and fantastic knowledge of the NICU nurses where I was born I wouldn't have survived, let alone be capable, or passionate enough to learn, and specialize within such a demanding and rewarding profession.

That is basically my driving force, and if asked that is the reply I give when interviewing, Should I tone it down, and exclude the personal information?

april320 · Jun 7, 2012

I also hope to work in the NICU! I have one more year left and I am very excited. I had a daughter born with ESRD and she spent two months in NiCU. They are the reason she is still here with us today!

babyNP., APRN · Jun 8, 2012

I took NRP as a nursing student and while yes, I didn't get as much out of it as I would have had I had the experience, I really feel like it helped me stand out among applicants and show my passion/dedication. My manager had 60 applicants for 10 internship spots my year (and this past year 300 for 15!!) and I feel blessed and lucky to have my job. I also applied for an August internship in January of my senior year as well...(and was told that I was one of the late applicants!)

FralliesMom_RN · Jun 8, 2012

Just a Dose,

I have one year of nursing experience on a busy adult med/surg unit. I would really like to try to get into our NICU this fall. I've heard the jobs can be hard to come by as there isn't much turn over. Our NICU is small because we have a major children's hospital across the street (we also have no pediatric patients at our hospital).

I'm trying to figure out how to make myself marketable to the nurse director. I am ACLS certified (which I know doesn't really apply to the NICU). I am going to be training a new grad next month and will be trained in on being charge nurse over the summer. I'm hoping I can somehow play up these attributes as being an asset to the NICU. Do you have any advice for transitioning from adult patients to babies as far as how to apply my experience?

Thank you,

Heather