Jobs in the NICU

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I am curious if anyone can comment on new grads' ability to move directly into the NICU. I am hearing so many horror stories of RNs being unable to find work period, let alone in a specialty of their choosing. What can I do to make myself more marketable for the NICU? Are there any NICU-related certifications I should be working towards? Thanks!:D

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It's possible! I got my foot in the door of a Level III NICU when I applied as a summer extern and got the gig. Now I'm a patient care tech in the unit, and my manager just informed me today she would like to keep me on :) So that's super cool!.

Any experience with kids on a resume would help. I honestly had no formal jobs dealing with kids when I applied/ interviewed, but I had a 3.7 GPA, and did everything I possibly could to wow the recruiters: cover letter, resume (both printed on heavy resume paper), thank you note... I even invested in a suit. Put your game face on! I don't know how soon you're looking for a NICU job, but if you have time, you could volunteer with kids somehow (church, shelters, Children's Hospital if there's one nearby...). Involve yourself with leadership opportunities too... your student nurse organization is a good start.

If there is one offered in your area: a S.T.A.B.L.E. certification might help (focus on neonates).

If you do land an interview, I suggest letting them know you will support and encourage a family-centered environment. Parents are a big part of the NICU experience!

Hope this helps. Good luck to you in your search!!!!!

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Hey, I am so happy to hear that you got a spot. Did you have to look for a long time or work in other spots before moving over to the NICU? I spent a few moments this evening looking through some sites of major hospitals and while I did see just a few NICU spots, they were adamant in wanting years of experience.

My interest in being a nurse isn't solely predicated on being in the NICU but I am still nervous that the job market nowadays is going to make it very hard to even get one of my top three spots (the others would probably be cardiac-related).

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Specializes in NICU, Nursery.

Get your NALS/NRP, S.T.A.B.L.E, PALS and of course BLS certifications. The thing is, even if you do have these at hand, it really is a tough time nowadays. You can certainly choose which area you want to be in, you can apply to as my hospitals as you can, but, when you get interviewed and get the job, they are still the ones whose going to decide where to put you. This is especially true when you don't have any experience in the field. But just stay positive and be upfront that you want to be in the area.

Good Luck! ;)

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Hey, I am so happy to hear that you got a spot. Did you have to look for a long time or work in other spots before moving over to the NICU? I spent a few moments this evening looking through some sites of major hospitals and while I did see just a few NICU spots, they were adamant in wanting years of experience.

My interest in being a nurse isn't solely predicated on being in the NICU but I am still nervous that the job market nowadays is going to make it very hard to even get one of my top three spots (the others would probably be cardiac-related).

Let's see... Well, I didn't look for a long time or work other areas before working in the NICU. Truthfully, I used to bartend in a fine dining restaurant down the street from my town's children's hospital. Every day that I passed it (as it was being built) I told myself I would work there someday. I applied to a BSN program after completing my prereqs, got accepted... busted my rump (still am) to reach my goals, and here I am! Truthfully, I've made every effort possible to get here! I've involved myself in leadership opportunities through my school, kept my GPA up, attended every career fair (and hung out shamelessly by he hospital I knew I wanted to work for)... the list goes on. It sounds like not every NICU accepts new grads (which totally stinks), but you can get there eventually if you really want to!!!!!

I can't give advice on what areas would help your quest in getting there, but cardiac couldn't hurt... everyone has a heart! :redbeathe Maybe give networking a shot! Get your name out there... call a recruiter and introducing yourself. Ask them for their thoughts! What could it hurt? I would suggest that when you do get a recruiter on the phone to first ask them if they have a moment to speak with you. I called once and just started drilling her with questions not realizing she had someone on the other line. No wonder I was getting the shortest answers ever, oops.

Anyway, just "go for the gold" if that's what you have your sights set on. It'll feel so great when you finally get there :D

Best,

NikkiJ

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do new grads with ADN degrees have less of an advantage landing a NICU job in your opinion in comparison to BSN? i noticed one of the bigger hospitals in my area have a job posting online in the NICU and it says ADN +0 experience..so if and when i graduate (a few more years, haha) would my chances still be good? or is that the bare minimum?

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

I was hired directly into the NICU, right out of school in Oct 2009.

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That is very encouraging to hear but I am afraid I won't be able to attend this fall as it stands now. I think my student loans are going to be a huge problem at the expensive school to which I've been admitted. I haven't given up hope yet but I am seriously concerned. But, I am glad you were able to get in straight out of school. Do you have a BSN? Did you volunteer, etc beforehand?

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

I have an ADN, and didn't volunteer. I did, however, do my preceptorship there.

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Specializes in NICU.

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