MUSC Children's Hospital NICU Anyone?

[KK7724]

Hey,

I really want to get on with this unit. I don't have any contacts and I really would like to hear some inside info about the hospital and unit. I'm only going to have a year's experience when I am moving to the area.

I want to know what kinds of policies and procedures they have in place, what assignments are like, charge nurses, prn options? etc etc. Pay??

I have contacted the nurse recruiter via email and in her response she gave me the UM's name, phone number, and courtesy-copied her on the email too. I am new to the whole working world...but would it be wrong for me to call the UM??? So far the hospital's job posting site lists zero positions open for NICU.....what do I do??

Thanks,

[Humbled_Nurse]

Don't know anything about that particular NICU, but I think it would be a great idea if you called the UM directly. Just because there isn't a position posted on the website, doesn't necessarily mean they aren't hiring. I would definitely give them a call and tell him/her when you will be moving to the area and that you are very interested in working in the NICU. I would also have a list of questions to ask re: how the NICU operates, assignments, etc... Also let her know that you have one years experience and that you are looking to grow in your NICU career and that you are eager to care for more higher acuity babies. NICU staff is always changing. In the larger NICU's there always seems to be someone quitting, going PRN, or going on maternity leave. Even if there currently isn't an open position there will likely be one soon.

I read your other post about the current unit you're on and it sounds like a bad situation. No, not all NICU's are like that. I have worked in two NICU's and have been treated very well. I would just hang in there for the time being and just focus on taking care of the babies and learning all you can until you move. Even if you aren't taking care of the higher acuity babies all the time you can learn a ton by just observing and watching the other nurses.

You seem like you are a great NICU nurse and you have a lot of potential so you need to be in a NICU that will support you and want to encourage you to expand your knowledge and skills.

Good luck to you and keep us updated!