New Grad RN, can I work NICU?

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Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

I recently graduated with my ADN, I have my KY provisional license, and I'm still looking for a job. When we did our peds rotation at Kosair Children's Hospital in Louisiville I fell in love with NICU. I have always wanted to work with babies since I became an LPN, but never really had a chance to do so. Now that I've graduated I'm finding it hard to get my foot in the door...anywhere, but especially NICU. I actually got an interview for a PICU, but didn't get considered though I thought I gave it my best shot.

One of the NICU nurses I talked to said that "you either love it, or hate it", but to give it at least 6 months on the job. I admit that I am scared of making a mistake with such a little patient, but I also actually feel I can do the job. How do I pick a hospital in which to apply? I'm starting to apply to positions out of KY since there are only 2 NICU's here. Its as hard to get a job on a NICU as it is Labor and Delivery, another area I have an interest in if I can't get NICU.

Some people ask me why I want to work with babies? I tell them truthfully that after working with geriatrics so long, I'd like to work with the other end of the lifespan. See them come into the world. I know NICU isn't all happy outcomes, I really do...but I still want to work there. But how do I get the job? :saint:

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Specializes in NICU.

It really depends on your particular region. Here in Pa there are extensive preceptor/education based orientation periods designed to bring new grads up to snuff in their particular area. I knew I wanted NICU too and started as a new grad. Conversely, I interviewed with a hospital in the midwest that did *not* accept new grads into NICU so it all depends. I say go for it, I love NICU and can't imagine doing anything else at this point :-)

Good luck!

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Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.
It really depends on your particular region. Here in Pa there are extensive preceptor/education based orientation periods designed to bring new grads up to snuff in their particular area. I knew I wanted NICU too and started as a new grad. Conversely, I interviewed with a hospital in the midwest that did *not* accept new grads into NICU so it all depends. I say go for it, I love NICU and can't imagine doing anything else at this point :-)

Good luck!

Thanks, its just so hard looking for a new job in a new field. I've been an LPN so long that I thought it would be easy to find that first job as an RN, especially since I returned to school so I could work with babies. Its just so frustrating researching places and finding out they've hired their quota of new grads already.

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Specializes in NICU.

I just graduated in May and got a position in a NICU. I think it really depends on where you are. I think this time of year it's going to be very competitive in nursing just because so many new nurses graduate in May.

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Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

That definately seems to be some of my problem. In my area alone there are about 6 schools graduating RN's at the same time, and that doesn't even count the rest of the nursing schools in the state. I hope I can find something, as I hate to take a job someplace knowing I don't really want to work that unit.

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Specializes in NICU.

I graduated in December and went straight to NICU. I had a great orientation program with floor time and classroom stuff. If you can find a good orientation program it's definitely do able (sp?). Good luck!

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Hey there. I'm in Lexington and I know that the NICUs over here will consider new grads. I'm externing in a unit now that HR told me "doesn't hire new grads" but they've all but offered me a job after graduation. My preceptor mentioned something in passing to me today and said, "once you get hired on after graduation." Not "if"...

When I asked about what HR said, she said that may be HRs thinking, but the unit does the interviewing and hiring and they'd consider a new grad. Now, I think that you'd need to be a little more impressive if you're applying someplace without a new grad "internship." It will probably help that you were an LPN before. I think experience (not necessarily NICU) is always good. I was a tech in a Level I ED for a few years before school and I've had lots of managers say that knowing that, they'd hire me over most new grads.

My advice would be to apply for positions, even if you've been told they don't hire new grads. Then, if you don't get it or don't get an interview, call the manager and ask what you can do to make yourself a better candidate. Maybe working a year in NBN or peds?

Good luck in your search!

BTW, I have heard lots of good stuff about Kosair!

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Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.
Hey there. I'm in Lexington and I know that the NICUs over here will consider new grads. I'm externing in a unit now that HR told me "doesn't hire new grads" but they've all but offered me a job after graduation. My preceptor mentioned something in passing to me today and said, "once you get hired on after graduation." Not "if"...

When I asked about what HR said, she said that may be HRs thinking, but the unit does the interviewing and hiring and they'd consider a new grad. Now, I think that you'd need to be a little more impressive if you're applying someplace without a new grad "internship." It will probably help that you were an LPN before. I think experience (not necessarily NICU) is always good. I was a tech in a Level I ED for a few years before school and I've had lots of managers say that knowing that, they'd hire me over most new grads.

My advice would be to apply for positions, even if you've been told they don't hire new grads. Then, if you don't get it or don't get an interview, call the manager and ask what you can do to make yourself a better candidate. Maybe working a year in NBN or peds?

Good luck in your search!

BTW, I have heard lots of good stuff about Kosair!

I've applied at UK Children's NICU, but haven't heard anything yet. I don't know about any other NICU's in Lexington except maybe St. Joseph's. I'm applying everywhere I can think of, even out of state, since at this point I'm willing to relocate. And the really sad thing is, I applied to UK's RN-BSN program and I've been accepted. I applied before knowing it was going to be so hard to get a job.

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Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.
I graduated in December and went straight to NICU. I had a great orientation program with floor time and classroom stuff. If you can find a good orientation program it's definitely do able (sp?). Good luck!

The trick is getting that interview. I've applied everywhere I can think of...that I'm willing to relocate too.

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I've applied at UK Children's NICU, but haven't heard anything yet. I don't know about any other NICU's in Lexington except maybe St. Joseph's. I'm applying everywhere I can think of, even out of state, since at this point I'm willing to relocate. And the really sad thing is, I applied to UK's RN-BSN program and I've been accepted. I applied before knowing it was going to be so hard to get a job.

UK is prety slow about follow-ups from what I understand.

St Joe East and Central Baptist both have Level II NICUs.

I sent you a PM.

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Specializes in NICU.

Hey there,

I'm a new grad and I've got a job in the NICU...I'd suggest looking up all the hospitals in your area and then calling up the managers. You can always apply through the website, but I've found it infinitely more helpful to e-mail/call the manager to see what's really happening--that's how I got my job. (and my nurse tech job, come to think of it)

Also, if you're willing to go out-of-state, that'd help out a lot. I knew I wanted to go out-of-state, so I looked up a bunch of different children's hospitals and flew out for interviews.

If you're not able to get in right away, I'd suggest Labor and Delivery as an alternative for the interim period as that is what some of the NICU nurses I worked with at my senior practicum did.

Good luck! I hope you make it in!

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I'm very happy to learn that I could actually work in the NICU right after I graduate. I was a little worried. I was told I need to do one year of med surg. But I know NICU is where I want to be.

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