New grad, NICU hopeful

[Heccadecca]

Hello, I'm going to be a new grad nurse in a few months, and NICU is my dream job. I have applied and been rejected from the small NICU at the hospital where I currently work. I realize it's hard to get in there as a new grad. I'm going to get a job in dialysis but I'm wondering what I can do to make myself a more attractive hire in the NICU after a few years of nursing experience. Thank you so much for your input.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

On 2/16/2021 at 4:29 PM, Heccadecca said:

small NICU at the hospital where I currently work.

This will be your biggest obstacle to getting a NICU job. That NICU probably has a small number of nurses and a low turnover rate. It will probably be very difficult to get a job in that unit. If your desire is to get into NICU, the best option would be to apply for a NICU position at a children's hospital. They will be larger units with many nurses. 

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

I remember one unit requiring one year of experience for hiring.If you  do get the one you want try pediactric ICU,in a big center,loads of experience there.Then later on apply for transfer to their NICU.Good luck.

[studentnurse23]

On 2/19/2021 at 12:59 AM, NICU Guy said:

This will be your biggest obstacle to getting a NICU job. That NICU probably has a small number of nurses and a low turnover rate. It will probably be very difficult to get a job in that unit. If your desire is to get into NICU, the best option would be to apply for a NICU position at a children's hospital. They will be larger units with many nurses. 

^ good advice. The only hospitals I have seen who hire new grads in the NICU are big children's hospitals (many of which are also university hospitals) for the most part.

[LoutusCNA.VT1983]

I have hopes looking at doing this kind of work myself, and I do agree that looking at a children's hospital would probably be a very good move to make.