how long did it take you to end up in the NICU?

essT · Jul 10, 2015

I worked for two years in adult critical care before making the transition by applying for an intrahospital transfer. Keep up that networking! I wouldn't hesitate even if it's a more distant connection; you could just mention you're interested and see how it pans out. Lots of people are eager to help, especially someone who is passionate about their career. I actually met people in my current NICU when I renewed my NRP -- it was a good way to get a foot in the door. You're on the right path trying to get a hospital job even if it's not NICU, especially if the hospital has a unit for you to apply to when you've been there for a bit. You never know, though -- you might make it straight to NICU. A lot of the bigger level III/IV NICUs have residency programs that look for folks like you!

People have lots of different opinions about getting NRP before being hired. I enjoyed learning the material and did use it as a resume booster to try to show some dedication to the unit. However, the material doesn't make as much sense until you really get hands-on with the babies. Your employer will put you through NRP again when you get hired, and probably STABLE too, so it's not really necessary.

Keep up the good work. It was very frustrating to know I belonged in NICU and not be able to make it right away, but my experience with adults was helpful and I wouldn't change the path I took. Best wishes to you!

tinybbynurse · Jul 13, 2015

Thanks for your reply! It's nice to hear of others who didn't make it straight in but did make it nonetheless :)

I'm hopeful as the hospital I will be working at is part of the network which includes a hospital much closer to my house that has a level III NICU and I should be able to transfer there much easier if a position opens up since I'll be working for the same network as opposed to applying as an external candidate.

endji · Jul 17, 2015

I don't think I'll be that much help, but I just got hired as a new grad in the NICU and some of the people that I met on the first day did an internal transfer from somewhere else in the hospital. I was an internal transfer as well, except I was a registry PCT. My plan was, if I didn't get into NICU right away, I was going to accept any nurse position within that hospital and then try to transfer in after I've had some experience. For me, the internal transfer process was so easy and since the managers all know each other my PCT manager put in a good word for me to the NICU manager. I was always very honest and told them my dream was to end up in the NICU so my manager knew that from the very start. Good luck!

GMG RN · Jul 20, 2015

Hello

well youll be pleased to know that I worked as a tele/med surg nurse for 2.5 years before I became a NICU nurse (i do level 3). I wouldnt change a thing!! You get SO MUCH experience being a floor nurse, your going to have a huge advantage and more confidence than any new grad. My first month in the Nicu, one of the dad's had a grand mal seizure on our unit, and all the nicu nurses panicked! Here I come the "newbie" slapped an iv in the guys arm and started him on some iv fluids. Couldnt have done that without all the "code" experience I got on the floors. So your in the right place! The way I got in nicu was through someone I know who put in a word for me once I submitted my application. Find out who the nurse manager is and call or email them. I would do NRP, that way you can stand out on your resume, if they ask you why you did med surg first just say you wanted a "well rounded background" and you wanted to learn good "time management" Good Luck on your journey!

JaxJax5423 · Jul 20, 2015

If you do home health try to get into peds. Once you do peds they highly consider that an it really eases you into neonates. I'm a pedi nurse and I float to nicu. Also, get into mother baby/ postpartum couplet care. You will learn the healthy newborn and ease transition to sick newborns.

tinybbynurse · Jul 20, 2015

Thanks so much guys!! Makes me feel happy to see that if you want to work on a certain unit you WILL end up there by just making an effort to head in that direction and by meeting and talking to people who spread word for you! I'm hoping to transfer within the network to the level III NICU at the hospital closer to my house! Also, at my new job, the mother/baby unit is right next to our floor and apparently we float when needed to other units and cross train when slow so I may have a chance to get a little experience with healthy newborns at least! . Among other unit experience such as ICU and ED.and even if its mother/baby nurses floating to my unit since we are the busier one its a chance to meet people who may be a good connection. I'm sure I'll end up there quick enough....so thanks for the inspiration that it'll happen sooner or later :)

And I think I will go ahead and finish pursuing NRP this year!

tinybbynurse · Jul 20, 2015

GMG RN... do you really think it's a good idea to get in touch with the NM? I've heard mixed reviews but mostly good ones about doing so. I actually know who she is ...I've done the research yes ... I want to work there that badly haha. I actually have two remote connections to the NM and a nurse that works in the NICU but nothing came of those (maybe because they're so remote and I'm afraid to bug them because it's thru friends of friends?) If contacting the NM directly is a good idea I certainly will ...but maybe just not until a position actually opens up and I've applied after working the required amount of time on my floor until I can transfer. I think it's only 6 months ..at most a year.

GMG RN · Jul 20, 2015

It is absolutely a good idea to contact the NM. You have to be aggressive in this field and persistent. If not you'll be just another resume/application. You dont have to wait for a position to open up, sometimes they dont always post them í ½í¸‰

TristleRN · Jul 23, 2015

Hi, I've been an RN for 25 years...all with the adult population. I've worked on an IVT both per diem and full time the past 11 years with some peds mixed in due to that. I am now about to try out NICU soon for the first time. I'm nervous about my ability to acclimate to the new environment as it's an entirely different world.

Gamecock73 · Jul 23, 2015

I did the same route as OP. Got a job in the same facility as the NICU I wanted to work in. I have contacts galore there. I made initial contact with the manager there in 2010. I still am not in NICU. I finally got a prized interview this year in March.

I am now working adult Med/Surg again in a different facility. I found out through family members of pts, they had an initial hiring surge. They fell back on new grads who'd oriented in the unit, and in-house staff. I don't know what it takes to be considered as a NICU nurse, but my heart is honestly broken. I HATE going to work every day as an adult med-surg nurse. I hate every aspect. I am a caring, kind nurse. But I feel lied to.

I was told you had to spend 2-3 years in Med/surg to get your basics down, before anyone would even CONSIDER you for a unit position. Yet some of my fellow grads got jobs in a unit. In my town, contacts are worthless.

CosmicHymns, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2015

I worked almost two years in psych before an opening in the NICU opened up. I was nervous but I took a jump and they hired me! Talk about a crazy learning curve haha I'm a month off my orientation and still feel its the best decision I've ever made =]