NICU Internship - Help me Please

[4bears]

Hello, I recently graduated my nursing program and have just received news I passed my boards:nurse: I want to apply for a NICU Intern program at one of the better Hospitals in my area. This program is open to experienced nurses along with graduate nurses.

One of the requirements to apply is an essay stating what unique qualifications or characteristics you can bring to this program, basically why should they consider you. I have no previous experience except from nursing school and clinicals - Just like everyone else I consider myself hardworking, have the desire to learn, compassionate, team player, etc. I need to be creative to help my less than experienced qualifications hinder me from this position especially since they are not looking for "just" experience, How can I stick out? Anyone else have to write an essay to be considered for a position? This is a great opportunity with an excellent training orientation - I want this really, really bad any idea's would be greatly appreciated.

[llg, PhD, RN]

You start by answering their question. What is it about you that would help you succeed in the job? What can you bring to them that they will value? Identify those things for them ... help them get to know you.

You can't fake something like that. You have to know yourself -- and show them that you have self-awareness and a good grasp of what is needed for the position. Nothing "made up" or "fake" will do. Let them see the real you ... and if the real you is not right for the position, then it's best for everyone to find that out now.

llg

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Here are some potential unique qualifications or characteristics to think about:

- Are you bilingual?

- What activities or projects have you excelled in that would show your team player attitude?

- Any experience teaching in any way? Teaching is a big part of what we do in the NICU and I would think that would carry a lot of weight.

Also think about where your desire to work in the NICU started. Did you know someone who was in a NICU? Thought it looked really cool on TV? (Okay, so maybe that one isn't such a great answer.)

Best of luck on your application!