Need advice about applying for NICU jobs.

[JunebugRN28]

Hey everyone! Some questions about applying for a job in the NICU . . . I will be relocating in about 9 months, and would really like to work in a NICU (just graduated in Dec. and am working with adults now). As this is still quite a ways away I was not even considering contacting NICUs in this area for at least a few more months. However, I have recently had a few people tell me that I should start networking now as this is a competitive area of nursing. Any thoughts?

Also, as this is a competitive area, I am wondering what I could be doing now to help me get a job in the NICU. I did do my preceptorship clinical in a NICU in the area I will be applying, so hopefully that will help. Also, I worked at a day care center for infants-2 y.o. for almost 6 months before starting my job as a nurse . . .

Finally, from what I have read, I am worried that the year experience I will have with adults on a medical unit will actually hurt my chances of getting a NICU position? Does this seem to be the case?

Sorry for all the questions, I really have my heart set on the NICU and would like to do whatever I can to make this possible. Thanks for any advice!

[llg, PhD, RN]

It never hurts to contact people and let them know of your interest. Also, it wouldn't hurt to ask them if they have any recommendations for you about things you could do now to increase your chances of finding NICU employment there. After all, it is their opinions that count, not ours.

Your preceptorship should help a lot ... as should your previous work with infants. Your adult experience should not hurt you too much, but it probably won't help you any. But be prepared to answer the question, "If you are so interested in NICU, why did you choose to work with adults as a new grad instead of with babies?" You might want to include the answer to that question in your cover letter as it will appear in the minds of the people doing the hiring.

I think it would be smart to write a nice friendly letter of inquiry now, explaining your situation ... that you will be moving there within the next year ... that your first choice of employment is NICU ... that you are letting them know of your interest and looking for any advice they might have on improving your chances. Such an approach won't hurt, and it might help.

[NICUgirl77]

You probably dont need to apply this early, but I would try to get your application in and hopefully get an interview before another new batch of nurses graduates. Also, we have a handful of nurses in our NICU who worked in adults prior to coming to the NICU- it shouldn't hurt your chances. and since you did your preceptorship in the NICU the managers will know that you have an idea of what you are getting into. good luck!