New grad, NICU offer questions

[Jzam, BSN]

Hi all,

I have a few questions about joining a NICU. A little background: I am a relatively new grad. Once I graduated I joined a program at the hospital where I was rotated through the ICUs (SICU, MICU and CVICU). Each for about a month. During that time I got the chance to shadow in the NICU and really enjoyed it. I’m kind of in limbo right now where I am being interviewed by units to see who has offers and jobs available. I have been interested in the NICU since nursing school. The one I would be working at is a level II bordering on level III. My question: will I be getting enough experience and will I be limiting myself if I look for a new job in the future?  And will a higher acuity NICU accept someone who hasn’t worked in that environment yet? I will be shadowing again for a week and from the talk I had with the nurse manager it seems like I will probably be getting an offer. I’m a guy btw and would be the only one there, not that it matters, just want to give a bit of context.  Let me know if you have any advice, thanks!

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

9 hours ago, Jzam said:

 And will a higher acuity NICU accept someone who hasn’t worked in that environment yet?

Since I started at a Lvl IV as a new grad, I would think that having 2-3 yrs experience at a Lvl II would be beneficial. 

9 hours ago, Jzam said:

 I’m a guy btw and would be the only one there, not that it matters, just want to give a bit of context.

It does matter. We are a unicorn in the NICU. It is rare that a male applies for a NICU job. Managers like having males in the NICU .

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

You will be most welcome in nicu,especially  with the heavy stuff.lolYour experience will be good if you stick it out  atleast 3 years,get certified.ICU experience is always desirable.