NICU Nurses: help for a future NICU nurse

Published

Hi everyone! I am currently in high school and my one true passion in life is to become a NICU nurse (eventually an NNP). I know what some of you may think.

"you're just a teenager who loves babies. you're too young to know what you really want to do."

If you're here to give me that response, don't bother wasting your time. I've gotten that response. Plenty of times. The response that I am looking for is advice.

Is there anything I can do to prepare myself for nursing school/NICU nursing?

What is working in a NICU like?

Tips on being a good NICU nurse/getting a NICU nursing job?

The best nursing schools?

Just any information like that would be greatly appreciated.

Also just a disclaimer: All I do is research about becoming a NICU nurse and working in that environment. I do not want to be a NICU nurse because I "love babies". I know that the job can be mentally and emotionally draining, but I also know that it can be very rewarding and satisfying. I'm not sure exactly what drew me to NICU nursing in the first place, but I am very passionate about it. I am driven toward that career, and I am determined to get there.

Thanks for reading and please respond!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

The first step is to get into a nursing school (BSN program)

Do very well in nursing school

If the school offers a Capstone placement, try to get NICU (the higher the level the better)

Once you graduate and pass NCLEX, apply to every NICU job opening that accepts new grads and new grad programs that offer NICU placement. Some hospitals will hire new grads, but a lot will not hire new grads. You may need to spend a few years in another department before getting into a NICU.

I graduated last August with my BSN, did a Senior Capstone at a Level IV NICU, applied to numerous NICU openings, and was offered a position in a Level IV NICU today as a new grad. I was very fortunate that I got a NICU job as a new grad.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

I just saw this, and thought you might find it informative. I wish you the best!

The reality of the NICU â€" NICU Central

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Don1984 I found your response very helpful, thanks! Do you have any other info or insights on working in a NICU?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion