New Nurse Professional Organizations/Continuing Education

[Klang14]

Hi everyone,

I'm a new grad nurse about to start my nurse residency where I'll rotate through 3 units before receiving my final offer. One of these units in the NICU which is my dream job and where I want to make my career long term. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about neonatal nursing on my own to increase my chances of being hired. I've looked into purchasing Merenstein & Gardner's Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care and the STABLE book. However, I just came across the Essentials of Neonatal Nursing lecture series provided by the National Association of Neonatal Nursing and am wondering if I should do that instead? I'm interested in joining a professional organization once I'm licensed, is there one you recommend more? I've seen NANN and the Academy of Neonatal Nursing mentioned several places. Also, I'm very interested in pursuing continuing education, what are some certifications I should seek out once I (hopefully) start working as a NICU nurse? I've already heard about NRP and STABLE, are there any others you'd recommend?

[babyNP., APRN]

Both are great organizations and provide CE which is good if you end up getting your RNC or CCRN certification (which you can only do once you've been a NICU nurse for 1-2 years depending on the certification).

If you are "competing" between the 3 units to get an offer on the unit, I definitely recommend getting NRP and STABLE if you can, but only so long as it doesn't affect how you are doing on the unit- prioritize shining on the unit versus getting the certifications.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

23 minutes ago, babyNP. said:

but only so long as it doesn't affect how you are doing on the unit- prioritize shining on the unit versus getting the certifications.

This is my advice. Put the same amount of energy and enthusiasm for each of the three units. If you focus solely on NICU and show no interest in the other units, you may end up with no placement. Buy Merenstein & Gardner's book or Core Curriculum for Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing and learn as much as you can. NRP and STABLE may be difficult to get. We are limiting our NRP classes to those need it, NICU and L&D nurses, due to COVID.

[Klang14]

On 8/5/2020 at 12:47 PM, babyNP. said:

Both are great organizations and provide CE which is good if you end up getting your RNC or CCRN certification (which you can only do once you've been a NICU nurse for 1-2 years depending on the certification).

If you are "competing" between the 3 units to get an offer on the unit, I definitely recommend getting NRP and STABLE if you can, but only so long as it doesn't affect how you are doing on the unit- prioritize shining on the unit versus getting the certifications.

Thank you for the advice! Could you share with me what set the people apart or caught you attention when you think of someone who has shined in the past?

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Be a sponge and absorb all the information that your preceptor has to offer.

Be by your preceptor's side at all times (except when they go to the bathroom).

Be hands-on as early as possible in your training. Ask your preceptor to try skills as soon as they will allow you. You will progress faster by being hands-on than observing.