Medsurg to NICU

[RNEABV]

Hi everyone,

Do you have any tips on how to land a job in NICU? I have been a medsurg RN for like 5 years now and I am interested in NICU. This has been my dream job eversince nursing school. I have my NRP and have been applying , but no luck!

Thanks

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

There is no special trick to it,it is dumb luck, a current vacancy, and a willingness to take an un popular shift, usually nights, ou will get NRP certified once hired, and must do it by their approved program, you can read up on neonatology ,breastfeeding books,Ruth Lawrence etc.,Counseling the nursing mother, prepare to become IBCLC certified, and later get RNC certification after two years experience. If there is a need for other language skill ,learn that language or the medical phrases. Purchase the neonatal drug bible or the hospital approved one, practice drug math problems. Read obs books ,bbecome familiar with labor ,delivery and problems affecting newborn, fullterm, premies, birth injuries,primary and secondary complications, sepsis,learn about family unit, siblings,ventilators,blood gases,lab values. Good luck to you.

[NICURNSF]

I'm kind of surprised you haven't had luck because med/surg with NRP is pretty much showing that you have initiative for the NICU and nursing experience.  Maybe get STABLE if you can and virtually attend one of the conferences, NANN, ANN?  Maybe even cold email the NICU managers and say the NICU is really my dream assignment is there anything else I can do to make myself a more desirable candidate?  Also aska round your floor if there's anyone who is friends with a NICU Nurse on one of the units.  Sometimes just having someone that will vouch for you is enough to get an interview.  Best of luck!

[RNEABV]

thank you so much! :) I am planning on taking STABLE as soon as possible.