New Grads in Houston area NICUs

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Jan 14, 2006

Not in Texas Medical Center proper, but the Level II/III NICU at St Joseph has a nursing internship for GN's and RN's twice a year. It's an 18 week internship followed by a two year work commitment. Everyone I've met there has been very nice so far and I got an extensive unit walk-through on my interview. I will know more after I begin as an intern in 10 more days! Hopefully St Joseph will still be there in some form when you graduate. It's on the market right now.

I know that Texas Children's and Hermann also have Level III NICU's and they have similar programs. Also check out Ben Taub and Woman's.

TexasPediRN · Jan 14, 2006

Texas Childrens and Hermann Childrens will only take new grads in January and in June, when they start their orientation process. I do know Hermann only took 3 into the NICU starting in January, and did not take new grads anywhere else.

TCH had 20 spots open, with over 250+ applicants. TCH also takes registered nurses wishing to change the field into this program.

Applications go up on their websites about 2-3 months beforehand listed under 'GN", or graduate nurse jobs.

I recommend checking the websites to see when the application is posted, then applying and calling in person.

I only know all this b/c I applied for the January orientation. Its better I didnt get it anyway, as I'm getting married in May and would need a few weeks off. Now I choose my hours and my company is already fine with me taking time off.

I do think however, that I may apply again come June, or maybe even next year depending where life takes me this year.

Good Luck!

Cyndee, MSN, NP · Jan 16, 2006

Not in Texas Medical Center proper, but the Level II/III NICU at St Joseph has a nursing internship for GN's and RN's twice a year. It's an 18 week internship followed by a two year work commitment. Everyone I've met there has been very nice so far and I got an extensive unit walk-through on my interview. I will know more after I begin as an intern in 10 more days! Hopefully St Joseph will still be there in some form when you graduate. It's on the market right now.
I know that Texas Children's and Hermann also have Level III NICU's and they have similar programs. Also check out Ben Taub and Woman's.

I've been working PRN (1 weekend a month) at St. Joseph's for over a year. I'm wondering if you have heard anything about the sale of the hospital? I worked a couple of weekends ago and a lot of the RN's told me they were looking for other jobs b/c the place will probably close this summer if they can't find a buyer. What have you heard? I'm a NP in CC, but I visit my family about once a month in Houston and pull a couple of shifts at St. Joe's. I like it there, even though it obviously doesn't compare to the fancy hospitals in the Medicine Center.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Jan 17, 2006

I've been working PRN (1 weekend a month) at St. Joseph's for over a year. I'm wondering if you have heard anything about the sale of the hospital? I worked a couple of weekends ago and a lot of the RN's told me they were looking for other jobs b/c the place will probably close this summer if they can't find a buyer. What have you heard? I'm a NP in CC, but I visit my family about once a month in Houston and pull a couple of shifts at St. Joe's. I like it there, even though it obviously doesn't compare to the fancy hospitals in the Medicine Center.

Hi Cyndee -

I've heard a variety of things - hard to separate truth from rumor. A friend who works in another St Joe's department is not that concerned - as long as we get bought out by another hospital, she feels they'll keep the nurses. I know a Ben Taub employee who swears that Harris County Hospital District will buy it any time now and that we'll just become county employees. In any case, it's by far the best opportunity available for me right now (new grad in a Level III) so I've just got to cross my fingers that they we at least get to complete the internship.