New Grad NICU RN!

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Hi Friends! 

I'm back again with some amazing news! Remember in nursing school when everyone told us that every new nurse needs to have med surge experience in order to go into the ER, ICU, or any one demanding specialty? Well..... they were WRONG! on January 3rd I started my dream job in a NICU residency program in the 4th best hospital in the nation that has a level 4 NICU. I didn't have any pervious experiences in the NICU but I did have sooo much passion for it so I feel like they noticed in the interview. So my advice to anyone who wants to specialize in the NICU or any other demanding specialty have passion and show interest. Hospitals loveee nurses who want to be in a specific unit for a specific reason. Also, I know a lot of people don't have a cover letter because they think hospitals don't read it... but trusttt meeee people read it. So make sure you have a cover letter and a up to date resume and send it to everyone you email regarding that job position. 

We don't have to listen to the myths that all new grads need med surge experience first... pppfffttt!! WRONG! 

You got this guys!



 

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Congrats, that is awesome! Do you have any advice on preparing for the nurse residency interview and essay? I want to apply to a residency program at a nearby children's hospital as I finish up my BSN, and would love to get some advice on what these types of programs are looking for! 

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On 1/8/2021 at 1:43 PM, Triplepoint said:

Congrats, that is awesome! Do you have any advice on preparing for the nurse residency interview and essay? I want to apply to a residency program at a nearby children's hospital as I finish up my BSN, and would love to get some advice on what these types of programs are looking for! 

So the hospital I applied to automatically puts new grads in a residency program when start in a ICU setting or in a specialty such as the NICU, PICU, Oncology, L & D or ER. But my advice is show them that you are super passionate to learn and plan on advancing your career in that specialty or unit. Have a cover letter and a strong resume but mostly the cover letter should highlight the type of person you are and why you chose nursing. They want people who will go above and beyond in any situation.. at least that's what I've noticed so far... but they definitely want someone who has passion. 

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Thank you for your response! I really appreciate your advice, and I hope you are loving your NICU experience! 

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Specializes in Cosmetic RN.

Congratulations! I also was selected to as a new grad to start in NICU. I started in October and I have 2 more weeks of preceptorship left. 

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Hey! I’m currently in my last semester of nursing school, I graduate in May. I wanted to know what steps you took to apply to the NICU residency programs and what tips you recommend to get hired in the NICU as a new grad?

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Specializes in NICU.

Look on indeed.com and search "NICU RN residency". It will give you all the current NICU residencies available through them. Click on the postings to see what they are requiring and the the start date. Most of the current postings have a July start date. If you are graduating in May/June, you need to apply now.

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OK thank you I will do that! 

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I have an interview for a NICU new grad position, but I have no NICU experience. Do you have any advice for how to backup why you want to work in the NICU even though you have no experience? I'm not sure how to best show my passion without evidence. Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU.

Most graduates don't have any experience in the NICU, the only exception is those who had an Externship or Capstone during nursing school.

The big question they will ask you is "Why do you want to work in the NICU?" Your answer will determine if you are a good fit for the NICU.

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Hi guys, I'm also super interested in the NICU and I graduate May of this year. Planning on taking the NCLEX in July or early august. I've tried searching for NICU residencies in my city but can't find any right now?? 

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Specializes in NICU.
21 hours ago, jennastudentnurse said:

I've tried searching for NICU residencies in my city but can't find any right now?? 

There are some specialties that have residencies, like NICU, that are not common. You would need to go to where they are. It depends on how much you want to get into NICU. If your sole focus is to get into NICU, then you would need to do whatever it takes to get experience. 2-3 yrs experience is the key. When I was a new grad, I applied to every NICU staff position and residency that was posted on Indeed that did not require experience. I applied to 50-100 postings. I did not care where I needed to go, as long as I was getting the experience. Once I had 2-3 yrs experience, I could re-locate to a city that I wanted to live in more easily. Fortunately for me, My first new grad job was in a location that I didn't mind living in.

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