new grad wanting nicu

[rnin1206]

can a new grad become a nicu nurse right out of school w/ no nicu experience just observation??? if so can you recommend a program? looking in mass and cali (bay area, la, sandiego). thanks!

[LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP]

My NICU hires new grads too. And there's a good hunk of our nursing staff who was clerical/PCA prior to getting their license. My hospital loves to see people move up in the org.

When I had my first interview with the hospital, I explained clearly that I wanted to make my entire nursing career there, from unit clerk to nurse practitioner, if they would give me the chance to do so.

I got the job and it's been great ever since. I started in the ER as a clerk, moved to the NICU as a clerk, then started as a PCA in the NICU and have been told that once I have my license, I have a nursing job. So, it really just depends on the hospital. :)

[tigerrose]

Alot of hospitals will hire new grads in those areas, because they can mold you to how they want you to be. You haven't created any bad habits yet because you haven't had a chance to.