New Grad hoping for NICU

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Hi,

I will be graduting in December (RN with BSN) and I would LOVEEE a position in NICU as a new grad. Due to the current ecomony, etc., I know that this is going to be difficult, but I want to do everything I can to make this possible. What are your suggestions to do this?

My grades are good, I have worked as a CNA in a hospital for over two years, and I am BCLS and ECG certified, and will also get my ACLS, NRP, and hopefully a STABLE certification to have on my resume before I apply for jobs. I am looking for hospitals I can also volunteer in in their NICU, but with this being my last and hardest semester in school, I am not sure how much I will be able to do so.

I have not gotten my preceptorship assignment for my last semester, but I have requested NICU and am hoping that I will be able to be there - it will total 80 hours NICU experience.

If I cannot get a new grad position in NICU, my plan is to try to get a position in a well-baby nursery, so that I can gain experience and move into a NICU position later on.

Any tips or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!!

THANKS!:)

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Whoa, you sound just like me! I also am graduating this December with a BSN and want more than anything to work in the NICU as a new grad. I know with the current economy, that might be hard, but I'm gonna try!! I applied for a NICU preceptorship for our last class also, but haven't heard yet if I got it. However, I don't have any work experience in a hospital, which I'm worried about. I also plan on getting my NRP and STABLE certifications before I graduate. What state do you live in? For the past 2 months, I've been putting together a list of hospitals in California with new grad programs in the NICU with phone numbers and program info, and also have a list of all the NICUs in CA. If you're interested, maybe I can share those with you. PM me if you want to talk!

-Heather

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I am in southern CA, about 40 min. outside LA! Can you share those numbers and info with me? I have a long list of hospitals I am going to start calling to ask about new grad programs and posting dates, but with school starting up again I haven't had time yet. For some reason I am not allowed to private message on this website... my e-mail is [email protected], if you e-mail me there we can talk more!!

Thanks SO much!!

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I would love the hospitals with NICU new grad programs list as well if possible! Thank you so much!! [email protected]:yeah::yeah:

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There are no tips or suggestions I could offer as you're already right on target based on your plans....

good luck!

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Specializes in NICU.

Your plans sound great, but I might add calling up the nurse managers of NICU's with internship programs and talking to them personally. Have a list of questions ready and ask about their programs. Be careful not to be pushy with your requests and make sure you ask the nurse manger if its a good time to talk. She may be very busy and refer you to someone else in the unit who can answer your questions. You might also ask if you could come in for a tour to see the unit and meet a few nurses if possible. Showing that you are interested in learning can go a long way to getting you ahead of other applicants.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

Sounds like you are on the right track...but I'd hold off on the certs....most of those come with orientations and really don't do you much good without some experience to be able to understand what the concepts apply too.

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I also live in So Cal and started in a Level IV NICU as a new grad. If you are going to start in NICU as a new grad, I would recommend looking at one of the Children's Hospitals in the area (for So Cal that would be CHLA, CHOC, Miller's Children's, UCI, etc). Those will be the places that (1) will hire new grad directly into a higher level NICU (2) will provide adequate training (3) have a specific new grad training program

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I also want to work in a NICU when I graduate! I would really appreciate a copy of that list, please if you don't mind. My email is [email protected]

thanks ;-)

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I graduated in May and just recently landed a job in one of the top childrens hospitals in the country level III NICU. I could not be happier. If you are willing to re-locate it will really help your chances of landing a position in this specialty as a new grad. I am moving 1200 miles away from home! I applied all over the country literally. I would have moved to Antarctica to get in a NICU! haha. Also, I would apply to jobs even if they ask for experience.

Things that stand out on your resume include working in a hospital while you were in nursing school and having a senior preceptorship in the NICU. Also stress how you want to continue your education.

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Wow, new2nicuRN Congrats!!

Where did you end up working, if you don't mind me asking? I would like to stay in CA, but it seems like I might have to start applying out of state if I want a NICU position! One nurse recruiter at a career fair told me, "Oh, I feel so sorry for you new grads, you know we have a hospital in Alaska, try applying there!" Thanks for your advice on getting in, although it's too late for me to work during nursing school (no time, anyway!) and I didn't get my preceptorship in the NICU and am doing Peds instead. I can at least stress the continuing education part! :) Did you start your job in the NICU already?

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I will be working in St. Louis, MO. I will not start for another month and I have so much to do before that! I can't wait to start. I think sometimes you catch a break when you least expect it! I was becoming very discouraged and disheartened by the current nursing situation for new grads but you just have to keep your head and keep applying!

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