NICU career advice......

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

I had initially went to the NICU after graduating from nursing school. I completed orientation , 9 months, on my own for 2 months,then had to leave. I again obtained a position in another level 3 NICU, in another state, only for 3 months.

I want to go back.....I am applying to another level 3 NICU, that states in its job posting "nicu experience preferred, not necessary, will train".

My experience is 5 yrs old, but, wouldnt I at least have a smidge of an advantage, because I actually did it before? I know the lack of longevity is a hinderance, but was just wondering what you guys thought about this. I really want to go back to NICU.... its the only thing I enjoy in nursing!!!!!

Wouldnt I have an advantage over someone who has *no* NICU experience, even though the experience is old?

Thanks in advance for any comments/suggestions.

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

It's hard to say.... the employers may be hesitant to hire someone who only has 5 months total of off-orientation time in 2 separate jobs. (That's 5 years old, to boot.) On paper it looks to them like you don't last very long after orientation is done.

[RainDreamer, BSN, RN]

Where I work, I really don't think you'd have much of an advantage. Personally, yes, you'd have an advantage over someone with no NICU experience whatsoever, because it'd be easier for you to jump in there and learn everything. But our unit would still give you the full 12 weeks of orientation, since you have less than a year experience and it was years ago.

If it were me, I'd be looking at a place that would give you a full 12 week minimum orientation. That won't hurt you at all and there are a lot of places that hire people into the NICU with no prior experience.

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

Raindreamer.... that was what I meant, meaning did I have at least a shot at getting hired due to the fact they hire with no experience, and I at least had some....I would fully expect, and want , to be trained for the full orientation period, since I have been out of it for 5 years and this place is a major teaching hospital, so I am sure they have a really good training program.........thank you for your reply...I appreciate it!!!

SteveRN....thanks for your reply too...I know it looks "undependable", bet hey, I am looking to spin the positive on things, and get my career where I want it to be, since my personal life is in agreement with my professional life right now...