New grad looking for NICU position question.

[futureNICUrn14]

I am a recent graduate. I thought the NCLEX was tough but this job hunt is proving that to be wrong. My question is should I be persistent in my search for a NICU position or would it be best to take any job I can get? This answer will lead to my main question...Would you rather hire and train a new grad RN who has no previous floor experience or would you rather hire and train an RN who has experience working med-surg to work in the NICU?

I am not opposed to relocation and have already applied to NICU positions in several different states. I am open to other nursing positions as well, I am definitely not closing any doors. I am so dedicated to finding a NICU positioin that I have purchased the Merenstein and Gardner's Neonatal Intensive Care book and I have been reviewing it nightly.

If you have any words of hope or encouragement. Constructive criticism is always appreciated as well. Thank you for your time.

[RNnicu42]

Hi there,

I am also a new grad looking for a nicu position. I have heard different things from different managers and nurses. Some have said that if you stick with your passion, that it will shine through and you will get hired in nicu or a nursery. Other nurse managers have told me that I should apply for anything and everything saying that experience always looks better. I have been in the same boat as you. I am applying for any and all positions but I am definitely hoping for a nicu position. Its hard not to let me passion for the nicu shine through in my interviews and I sometimes think that that works against me when applying for non nicu positions. I wish you the best of luck and keep us posted on how everything turns out.

[babyNP., APRN]

I would view it as:

new grad wanting NICU > experienced RN in med-surg wanting NICU > new grad RN 6+ months out of school with no experience

Keep looking, but in this economy, keep your other options open.