Just looking for a little advice

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Specializes in Maternity & Well Baby Nursery.

I am currently a nursing student in an ADN program that is two years long. I very much want to work in a NICU (1st choice). If not a NICU, then L&D (2nd choice), then Maternity (3rd choice), then Peds (fourth choice).

I just got hired at a hospital that has a level 3 NICU (could someone tell me what this means?) to work as a unit secretary in the hospital's maternity department.

Is this a good thing? It feels like a good thing to me. Also, can anyone recommend anything else that I can do to increase my chances of being hired to work in a NICU? The hospital is very aware that this is the route that I want to go and I believe they will try to accomodate me. But what else can I do to get my first choice?

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

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Are you a nusing assistant? Perhaps when a job comes open in the NICU for your current postion you can put in for it. Do you have a senior practicum? Our last quarter of school we had to work with a nurse, I worked in a level 3 NICU and it has helped me get my foot in the door.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Maternity & Well Baby Nursery.
Are you a nusing assistant? Perhaps when a job comes open in the NICU for your current postion you can put in for it. Do you have a senior practicum? Our last quarter of school we had to work with a nurse, I worked in a level 3 NICU and it has helped me get my foot in the door.

Good luck to you!

No, I am not a nursing assistant. :o I have to be certified and I won't be able to get that until I finish my first semester of nursing school. I'll look into your suggestion regarding a senior practicum. I don't think I have one but I'm not sure.

Thank you for your suggestions!:balloons:

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Specializes in NICU, Psych, Education.

Terminology varies from facility to facility, but a Level III NICU means that they likely work with some of the sickest kids (pts on ventilators, etc).

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Specializes in Maternity & Well Baby Nursery.
Terminology varies from facility to facility, but a Level III NICU means that they likely work with some of the sickest kids (pts on ventilators, etc).

Thank you Eric for taking time out to explain that to me.

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Specializes in NICU, CVICU.

If you are just doing your first semester of nursing school, then I probably wouldn't be making any decisions on what you want to specialize in...just yet. There were so many things I enjoyed during nursing school that about every 8 weeks I'd change my mind... I started out wanting NICU before I ever went to nursing school, then during school decided I wanted adult ICU, no wait now I want OR, no wait I really like ER.....etc. Finally did my NICU rotation and realized that it really was where I wanted to be after all.

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Specializes in Maternity & Well Baby Nursery.
If you are just doing your first semester of nursing school, then I probably wouldn't be making any decisions on what you want to specialize in...just yet. There were so many things I enjoyed during nursing school that about every 8 weeks I'd change my mind... I started out wanting NICU before I ever went to nursing school, then during school decided I wanted adult ICU, no wait now I want OR, no wait I really like ER.....etc. Finally did my NICU rotation and realized that it really was where I wanted to be after all.

Hi Kathy ,

I will consider what you said. But I am pretty sure that NICU is where I want to be. I have been exposed to other kinds of nursing, not all of them for sure, and I really like working with babies. Not just because they are cute, which I think they are, but because I just feel I have an affinity for that kind of nursing. None of the other departments I have been exposed to have given me that feeling. But I am open to possibilities. :)

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Hey -

I am just finishing my 2 year ADN program - I would highly recommend that you take the Unit Rep position in L&D.

I worked this summer in a Level 3 NICU in a Nurse Externship program. I did this externship between my 3rd & 4th smester. I then stayed on in the NICU as a Unit Rep. I am learning so much by having stayed on at the hospital. Also - the Unit Reps often "cover" for each other between L&D and the NICU. It will give you a great foot in the door - and it will also get you used to different orders and protocol. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

The previous response about a Level 3 NICU is correct. Most NICUs that are level 3 are considered the "highest" level of care. We I work we have an intermediate nursery - otherwise known as a Level 2.

Good luck - If you have any questions - feel free to e-mail me -

Nursing School, NICU stuff, anything :-)

Holly

P.S. Check into Nursing Externships - they are GREAT opportunities.

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