NICU education help

[RachealAnne]

I am going to school in the fall and was just curious.

How many years did you go to school to pursue your NICU job? Did you take prerequisites? Was it hard/worth it? ASN - BSN? I just want to know what I'm getting myself into, hope helps me! :)

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

School for nursing in the US is not different between specialties. Nursing school prepares a generalist nurse. Specialization occurs with orientation, and nurses can change specialties throughout their careers.

When it comes to ADN or BSN, you may want to research the job postings in your area- some facilities, particularly in areas with a glut of new grads, are requiring or preferring BSN-prepared applicants. Others, particularly areas that are less desirable to live in, may accept a nurse with any degree.

You can find a list of approved nursing schools through your state BON, as well as possibly first time NCLEX pass rates. A school with a high pass rate is one that prepares its students to function at the minimal competency level as a novice nurse; those with low pass rates do not. You can also save yourself future headaches when applying for jobs or furthering your education by ensuring that the schools you consider are accredited by ACEN or CCNE.