New Grad Interested in NICU

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Hi everyone! Im a nursing student with the expected graduation date of Aug 2014! My local Children's Hospital offers a residency program for new grads that I am interested in. I've always known that I wanted to work in the NICU, even though I felt a lot of people tried to discourage me by saying things like "you know some of them will die right?". But Ive always felt that I could do my best to provide them (& families) with care and comfort through whatever circumstances. Any who I haven't had any experience throughout nursing school in the NICU so I don't know what would be expected of me to know about this area. I did complete my preceptorship in L&D with some knowledge of the well baby but thats about it. What should I do to prep for an interview in this area? What are some things that I should learn if any to better my chances of getting this position? Im very compassionate and willing to learn all that I can in this area but I feel that I should know more to increase my chances. Im super excited, any help is appreciated!! Thanks you guys :)

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Specializes in NICU.

I graduate on Aug. 6th and did a capstone at a Level IV NICU and loved it. I applied to a grad nurse residency in NICU a couple weeks ago in another state. I called them today and she stated that my application has been sent on to the hiring manager and I should hear from them in the next few weeks (job closed on 7/16).

I would look for new grad residencies that offer potential placement in NICU or better yet find a new grad residency program in NICU like I did (although it required a minimum 80 hr. capstone in NICU).

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Unfortunately our program didnt let us choose NICU for our capstone :( but I have found a program at our local Children's Hospital so Im hoping for that. Thanks for the feedback :)

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Specializes in Neonatal, NICU level IV.

I know of people who got residency positions in the NICU that did capstones in medsurg, NICU, peds, and even ENT.

Apply for what you really want. :cheeky: Don't listen to anyone who is negative and discouraging you.

As far as how to prepare...

1. You need to know what the hospital you are applying for is focused on. Is it Patient and Family centered care, research, safety? Look at their mission, values, and vision. Even look at their advertisements to see what they are focused on.

2. Share your passion for neonatal nursing. They know they can train anyone to work there but they truly want passionate, dedicated people.

3. Have specific examples ready about patient care, safety, education, teamwork, and situations where you learned something. They want to hear that you can think critically and are not afraid to ask questions when you don't know something.

4. Relax. Be calm and confident in who you are. YOU earned your degree and YOU are prepared to be a nurse.

Hope I helped a little. Feel free to ask me anything else you need.

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Thank you so much for the encouragement & advice! I will be sure to look up the hospital's mission statement to be more familiar with what they are looking for.

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