Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

[nina95]

Hi everyone,

I'm interested in applying for the neonatal nurse practitioner program at UPenn. I know it requires a couple years of experience in hospitals before applying to the program. I'm only a sophomore nursing student right now but my question is: what specific areas in the hospital would I need to work in for experience to have a good chance of getting into the neonatal program? I am also trying to volunteer at specific departments at a hospital nearby this summer.

Thanks !

[NNP-2018]

You need to have at least 2 years of level III NICU experience before beginning the clinical portion of the program. Some NNP programs allow you to start after a year of experience and continue working during the program and complete non clinical course work while you continue to gain experience.

[nina95]

You need to have at least 2 years of level III NICU experience before beginning the clinical portion of the program. Some NNP programs allow you to start after a year of experience and continue working during the program and complete non clinical course work while you continue to gain experience.

Thanks for your reply! Is it hard to get a job in the NICU as a new grad?

[NNP-2018]

It really depends on timing and your location. I worked labor and delivery before NICU because there were no openings for residencies in my area at the time I got my RN. Then I transferred to NICU as soon as I could. Try to get your senior preceptorship in a NICU if you can, but don't get to worried if you don't. Mine was in med surg because my NICU placement fell through due to a fall out of OB providers at the hospital I was supposed to be at and a very very low census.