New Grad preparing to apply to NICU

[KNB3715]

Hello everyone!

I just took NCLEX on Monday 9/23 and have received my license! I went to a diploma program (2 years). I plan on starting BSN in January. I am the Mother of a former Micropreemie who will be 5 in a few weeks. Since her birth, I have known I wanted to work in the NICU.

My question is what should I do to prepare for a career in the NICU? I am getting my portfolio situated so that I can start applying for any and all available NICU positions. What certifications or things of that nature should I look into, or should I rely on a potential hire to get all of that? I am taking advice from other threads on some of the reading material, but, is NRP or PALS something I should be seeking out prior to being hired, or is that something they do when hired. The one job description I see says "preferred".

I am SO nervous to apply to these positions with no experience (other than on the parent side) and no BSN, but I figure since it's my passion, why not!

Any and all help, words of wisdom, things I should know, etc is VERY much appreciated.

Thanks!!

Kelly

[babyNP., APRN]

Try doing a search. This question is asked on a weekly basis :)

Good luck! Let us know how it goes. And glad to hear your little one is well.

[KNB3715]

So I am finally prepared to apply. I live in a major city and am applying to a well known Children's hospital (they have 2-4 open NICU positions). They have the option to apply online, but I am thinking maybe I should try to call the hospital, ask for the name of the nurse manager and send her a letter along with my resume? I just feel like if I apply online, it may fall by the wayside, whereas a letter sent directly to her may make a difference? Any thoughts?

I had applied to a nurse assistant job at a different hospital while in school, but I never heard any kind of replies. I think the online process is too unpredictable..

[Bortaz, MSN, RN]

Online applications are indeed unpredictable, but I've found that most hospitals will only allow you to apply in that manner and will not be keen on making personal contact. I'd put in the online app, then call HR at the facility to ensure that someone sees the app.

[llg, PhD, RN]

In most cases, you can't by-pass the online process. If that's how they process the paperwork, then that is what you have to do. Apply online, then back it up with direct contact with the Nurse Recruiter. You might want to back it up with a letter to the nurse manager -- but that can be risky. It might get you noticed, but it could be perceived as too pushy and disrespectful rather than getting you noticed in a positive way. Some managers might like your extra initiative, but other managers would perceive your efforts to receive extra attention as a red flag.