LPN in NICU?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 1, 2007

As an LPN, your chances are substantially better for getting hired in the postpartum unit or pediatric clinic if your predominating passion is to eventually work around infants. Any type of intensive care unit (MICU, SICU, ICU, PICU, NICU) is going to be staffed with RNs due to their wider scope of nursing practice. Seeing an LPN employed in any type of ICU is an absolute rarity, though it occasionally happens. Good luck to you, and I hope that all works out for the very best.

nursesaideBen · Aug 1, 2007

Commuter as usual is very correct. Some Pediatric LTC facilities do hire LPN's but as far as critical care goes you're going to have to get your RN to do that. Best of Luck to you!

medchick · Aug 1, 2007

We don't have any more LPNs on my unit but a friend of mine who just graduated from LPN school just got hired on at a different NICU.

L&D_2b · Aug 1, 2007

When my son was in the NICU 12 years ago, there was an LPN there that took care of him alot. However, I believe someone said she had been there for "x" amount of years. She was one of my favorite nurses, though:)

literati7 · Aug 2, 2007

As an LPN it never occurred to me that I could work in an NICU, although I'd worked in an adjacent hospital in a Level II Nursery for > 6 years. I had also acquired multiple advanced certifications in specific neonatal evaluation & care techniques beyond IV therapy & drug administration. When the NICU at the Childrens adjacent hospital (a large innercity multi-University hospital system) recruited me to fill their Discharge Planner position I was both shocked & pleased. I worked in that position while regularly pulled into the NICU for patient care for many years. The work load was tremendous but very satisfying. I was one of only two LPN's employed in this unit. The other LPN had been there X yrs. It was indeed rare for an LPN to be employed in any ICU setting in this hospital group; LPN's were utilized primarily on the floor or in various clinics. I don't want to discourage you; as stated, I worked in NICU while an LPN. However, I agree with the other reply previously posted, it was really an anomoly for an LPN to work in an ICU of any sort. That said-there are things you CAN do to increase your chances: [1]advanced training & [2] active participation in neonatal organizations is a vital starting point. Also, might consider scheduling an appointment with the head nurse of the NICU you are interested in working with. Never hurts to ask. I wish you well with your endeavors.

HazelLPN, LPN · Aug 6, 2007

I work in NICU contingent.....but I'm one of thoes who has worked "x" years. Florence Nightengale was my clinical instructor for med surg. My first paycheck was a chicken.

Most of the LPNs who work in ICUs or other speciality units have been there for many years and have proved themselves worthy. Where I work....most LPNs in the units have at least 20 years experience. The two younger LPNs have had other sort of "ins". For example....an LPN in the PICU had been their unit clerk who pretty much ran the unit was hired as a new graduate LPN. Another new grad in the NICU was a nursing assistant who was given a position as an LPN as she proved herself in her NA role.

My state and hospital allow for a broad scope of practice for LPNs where there are few restrictions. Other states and hospitals are very restrictive and LPNs simply are not allowed to perform some of the technical skills needed to be a critical care nurse. For example, in some states, LPNs can not give blood products or may be limited on the kind of IV meds she or he can give. If this is the case, chances of working in an ICU without extensive experience are slim to none.

But...where there is a will there is a way. If you have a burning desire to do NICU....do what the above poster said....go ahead and make a call to a nurse manager. You might be able to work contingent. Heck.....we have been so desperate for a body we somtimes have an RN who had not started an IV in 20 years who works in the admitting office come in. She dosent' have an assigment, but is given tasks to do....like PO feeds, diaper changes, hold an OG feed after someone has checked placement.....and her favorite task...folding linen.

However...the best way to work in an ICU.....get your RN. I tell all young people these days to get a BSN if possible because it will give them the best flexibility in the long run.

literati7 · Aug 7, 2007

Hazellpn...YOU ROCK!!! "...Florence Nightengale was my clinical instructor for med surg. My first paycheck was a chicken..." :jester: :yelclap:

boos-mom · Aug 8, 2007

In my 14 years as a nurse, I have worked in 5 states, and ALL of them have had LV/LPN's in units- ALL of them. The hospitals did require lots of experience, and provided extra training, but some of the best nurses on those units were the LPN's :)

I think in today's lawsuit ahppy society , though, those days are numbered and dwindling. If that is your passion, ask to go there PRN , see what you think ,and if the staff likes you, see if the hospital will help you further your schooling. Ya never know.......

kstec, LPN · Aug 8, 2007

Where I live the probability of a LPN getting into NICU is about as high as me winning the lottery( I don't play). Where do you live? Some states treat their LPN's better than others. Illinois is not that state if you want to even work in a hospital being a LPN. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose to do or get to do. I'm a LPN and I had to quit my hospital after 14 years in pharmacy because they wouldn't hire me.

PACNWNURSING · Aug 8, 2007

As an LPN I was want to see the LPN Profession expand its role, but personally I do not think any new LPN grad students should be in any critical care setting including RN grad students. In my opinion real prior acute care experience should be the prerequisite for working in any critical care area.