I don't know if this should go here, but...question about pre-reqs and jobs.

guiltysins · Jun 17, 2009

I don't think that you will get a direct job in NICU but just because you don't doesn't mean that you will be placed in a job that you will hate. There is a possibility that you will get one but you might have to start out either working in labor and delivery or pediatrics until you have a couple of years under your belt. So you may not be able to get in NICU, but keep your mind open to some related departments until you can work your way to that.

bluechick112, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 17, 2009

I'm pretty sure you won't get directly hired into the NICU. If you can find a volunteer position in a NICU at a local hospital, that would be a good start. Atleast then you could state that you've had experience in there and have seen RNs and such at work in that specific department. :)

Then again, who's to say that you won't find something else that interests you in your studies? There are a lot of fields you can go into with a nursing degree. Keep your mind open! :)

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 17, 2009

My mother said something today that I wasn't too sure about - she told me I'd probably have to work a job I hated until I could get one I liked. I want to go into NICU - from what I've read, some hire new grads and some don't. I've also heard a lot of people say that they are glad they went in as a new grad because it's easier to learn things that way.
It's kind of shaken me up, partially because I'm a shy person in itself and am kinda scared about starting my pre-reqs and everything. Nursing school is a huge step for me, because I am so young, and I'm scared. Her saying that I'd have to work something I hated after going to school for so long kinda worried me. So I know this is in the future, but when I do graduate, should I stick it out for a NICU job, or should I take something I hate?

During your nursing school clinicals, you very well may find something else that you like as much as (or more than) NICU. "Hate" may be a bit severe to describe your first job. It might not be your mostest favoritestestest choice, but still OK.

Going to nursing school was a big step for me. I wasn't very young (and still am not), and it was a bit scary to dump a 22+ year career for nursing. So far, though, so good.

Stick with it...one day at a time!

nohika · Jun 17, 2009

Thanks, guys. =) It was reassuring. There's a residency near my house that is NICU-based, and they equate it to a year's worth of NICU experience. They hire based on it, too. At least it'd be a foot in the door, right? Regardless, it's several years away. xD

I'm hoping my clinicals will help me make my final choice, though I know that's years away. x3 Thank you guys very much for all your information. =3

brittany_micah · Jun 17, 2009

I am really shy and backwards too. I've taken all my pre-req's online up until this past semester and 1 class a week really freaked me out. But the more interaction I've had the better it's been on me. I'm sure you will do fine, too!! Once you get in the groove of things and hopefully it will help build your (and my) self confidence. :wink2:

nohika · Jun 17, 2009

:3 I've taken a few online classes but am hoping to take most of my pre-reqs in person. Depends how it works with my schedule, of course. I'm hoping my CNA and stuff will help me really get in the groove of things - I've heard that it's culture shock for a lot of people once they graduate.

Good luck to both of us! =)