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!!
Hi. I will be graduating in May 2011 and I just found out that I am getting a NICU preceptorship. Does anyone know of hospitals in central and northern california that are willing to hire new grads?? I love the NICU and really want to work there after I graduate. I would appreciate any information about new rn grad programs in this area.
Totally agree. At this point, you do NOT need to do additional certifications. When you start working in a NICU they will offer NRP and many NICUs also provide STABLE and Cardiac STABLE later on. It's best to have your feet a little wet before those certifications.
Right now, what you want to do is create a strong resume that LOOKS GOOD and uncluttered. You want to write a cover letter to each place you are applying to and it should show you've done research on the facility and that it is a facility you you be PROUD to work at regardless of which unit you can get into.
So the words: "While I am deeply interested in working in the NICU, I would also consider other positions available as this is the hospital where I would like to launch my nursing career". Something like that will go a long way.
You should contact HR and ask to talk to nursing recruiter. See if there are new grad programs available and really do consider other units. "internal" transfers are a lot easier down the road AND applying to another NICU with some other nursing experience will also be easier. With that being sad, don't give up the NICU dream:)
I recently graduated this past June and I am about to start on a Level II NICU in a week and a half! I am so nervous and excited its almost overwhelming! My organization offers the NRP and STABLE courses and I also have to get a Perinatal intensive care nursing certificate, which I am doing Sept 2011. I ended up landing this position by talking to the nurse manager from one of the units i did my clinical placement on as a student. She got me into contact with the nurse recruiter who spoke to the manager of the NICU and they agreed to give me an interview! From all of my friends who graduated with me 80% of them got their positions by going through their managers from clinical placements and networking their way in. It seems that just sending in a resume and hoping for the best isn't how to do it.
My name is Heather too. I would love if you could email me a list of those hospitals in CA if you still have them. That is so awesome that you did that. You can email me at: [email protected]
I was a new grad last May and was really hoping for NICU...and I got it! Never thought I would start out on the unit I preferred. I absolutely love it!! I am on my last week of orientation (12 weeks) and feel pretty confident to be on my own....starting out with the growers/feeders at least!
What state are you in? I graduate this upcoming May and I'm really hoping for NICU as well. I'm willing to move anywhere in the country to get into NICU!
I'm in southeastern Louisiana.. I'm more than ready to go somewhere new! The only tech experience I have is on telemetry.. unfortunately they don't really take nurse techs in NICU in my area. I did get to spend quite a few days in NICU during my OB rotation and loved the time I spent there! :)
That's awesome you got to have some exposure there though! During my OB rotations, we only got to tour the NICUs! That's great you have tech experience somewhere though... I had never worked in health care before this job... Thankfully everyone there is so willing to help! I still feel like it's too good to be true, I sure hope you find an awesome spot like I did!
Thanks! :) How many positions did you apply for, and how many interviews did you get before getting offered the position you have (if you don't mind me asking)...? Any advice?
Sure! Well I didn't apply for units I didn't want, which limited me quite a bit as you can imagine! I applied for about 6, got 3 interviews, and 2 offers! Not sure what good advice I really have, except be involved in your nursing clubs/volunteer! Tomorrow is my last day on orientation (after 3 months) and it doesn't seem real yet!!
That's pretty awesome! I'm already a member of both AWHONN and NANN, and I'm looking to volunteer at a pregnancy crisis center over my winter break. Hope all is going well being on your own! How exciting!
RNnicu42
92 Posts
Hi. I will be graduating in May 2011 and I just found out that I am getting a NICU preceptorship. Does anyone know of hospitals in central and northern california that are willing to hire new grads?? I love the NICU and really want to work there after I graduate. I would appreciate any information about new rn grad programs in this area.
Thanks!