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Hi My name is Allison. I am starting my pre-requisites this semester and then will have a year wait until i can get into the nursing program at my local junior college. We need to have 160 hours of volunteering so i will also start volunteering 4 hours a week at UCSD hospital in L&D(they don't allow volunteers in the NICU). I have a few questions... would a 2 year degree get me in to the NICU??(I plan on getting my 4 year later)Does anyone have advice for juggling work(full time at least for now), school, family, kids(a 3 year old son and a 9 month old daughter), a husband, volunteering....etc??what about the process? school and then what?? state exam?? any help and advice would be appreciated.. :kiss

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Welcome to the board. I can't answer quesstion about nicu, because I have no experience there. Typing in a all caps is considered shouting.

Noney

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Hi and welcome. :)

There are lots of threads about kids and school and nursing. One is active right now called "nurses with children" in the General Discussion part of this bulletin board where we share our strategies.

I have a friend who graduated with my from a two year program. She did 6 months in post-partum and let the NICU director know she wanted to work there. As it happened, a vacancy came up and she was in. It has been 5 1/2 years and she is working in a huge NICU in Colorado. Doing very well too, so yes, it is possible.

Good luck.

steph

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

Just wanted to say WELCOME to you Alee-son!

Don't know anything about NICU, but I wish you well in your quest of becoming a wonderful NICU nurse one day! :)

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Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

As far as what kind of degree one needs, I guess it would depend on your area. In my area of the country we hire new grads from 2 or 4 year programs. I believe the reccomendations are more important than what kind of degree one has. Having to do all that volunteer work is new to me. . .but then it's been a while. I do know that our unit hires techs (unlicensed assistive personnel) and the manager gives preference to individuals in nursing school, especially those planning to work in women's and children's areas. They help us with stocking, feeding and changing the babies, baths, moving and cleaning equipment. If you wanted to work (or could work between all that volunteering) that is a great way to get familiar with the unit. We have several recent grads that worked as techs their last semester or more.

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In an answer to your question about a two year degree in NICU. Absoloutly it is enough. I got an ADN from San Diego City College and went right into NICU. Good luck!

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

I heard last year, that particular NICU was able to get all the new grads they wanted from BSN applicants. I believe BSN grads would be 'preferred'.

You should be able to volunteer if you tell the volunteer coordinator you don't need to be a "cuddler" (looonnng wait list). If you're willing to do stocking, clean incubators, lab runs, etc., you may have better luck. And, you may learn more in the long run.

Welcome to allnurses, and to the NICU forum.

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