NICU Job Application Advice for CA

[NICUNurseReady]

Hello there. I am a recent BSN grad, December 2014, and brand new to this site. I was able to do my senior practicum/preceptorship in the NICU and absolutely loved it. Now I am sitting for NCLEX soon and am beginning to think about how to best portray myself in order to get into NICU. I was wondering if anyone has any application and interviewing tips. I know that many specialities look for "hot topic" words that the interviewers key into. Can anyone think of what these interviewers may be looking for?

Thank you for your time and help.

[NicuRN628]

Congratulations on graduating and good luck with your upcoming NCLEX! I am also a new graduate and have just started in a level III NICU. This was my first choice unit and I am so excited to have been offered the position!

I am new to the NICU so I am not 100% sure what they look for in an applicant, but I can tell you how I went about applying for the position.

I directly emailed the nurse manager in the NICU of the hospital I wanted to work at (I was able to look this information up online). In this email I provided a cover letter as well my resume. While there was not a position open at this time, I was called in for an interview and they actually created a position for me.

While this may not work everywhere, don't be afraid to contact the unit managers to let them know who you are, and why you want to work in the NICU.

Getting the interview, in my opinion, is the hardest part. From there you can really explain who you are and why you should be offered the job. It is great you were able to have your practicum in the NICU, that should improve your chances of landing an interview :)

Good luck!