New Grad NICU Jobs

[Jfitz96, BSN, RN]

Hi! I am an upcoming senior in nursing school with a passion for the NICU. I am really looking to get a job right out of school in this area and was wondering if any of you had advice for how to boost my resume, or any hospitals that would be more inclined to hire a new grad. I am willing to relocate anywhere but somewhere in the northeast is preferred. I was also wondering how soon to start applying? I am aiming to get my partnership in the NICU but that isn't until Spring Semester and that feels late to start applying to jobs. I am currently a CNA working as a student nurse intern in the ICU in a smaller hospital, and have also worked as a CNA in a rehab facility and on a cardiac telemetry floor in a hospital. I also have been a nanny and worked at a daycare but I'm not sure how relevant that is. I have done a job shadow in the NICU where I want the partnership and also one in OB. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

I was also wondering how soon to start applying? I am aiming to get my partnership in the NICU but that isn't until Spring Semester and that feels late to start applying to jobs.

Unless it is a New Grad Residency, most hospitals are looking to fill a position within a month or two of posting the position. They are not going to wait 6 months to fill the position when there are plenty of new grads that have their license looking for jobs. Many online applications have the question "Do you have the appropriate license for the position you are applying? If you answer "no", the system does not accept your application. So, there are many hospitals that will not accept your application until you have your license.

[BeezieRN]

Hi! Unfortunately new grad neonatal programs are few and very popular among applicants. Do you personally know any units and nurse managers? Have you had your peds rotations? It might help to get to know the areas where you'd like to work. Go to job fairs and meet the hiring managers personally. Many peds positions do not offer interviews just by application and resume. They want to meet applicants too!

Depending on where you want to work, if you graduate spring 2019, then you should start around December/January...but they might not start hiring until later once they know how many jobs are available.

Your professors are also your advocates. They may have connections with certain units too.

I also recommend to having a back up plan. Many units I have talked to would prefer experienced nurses, so also consider adult units or critical care too! Hope this helps!