Hey May 06 grads..any of you seeking NICU?

Jerico, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2005

WELL! I am a May 2005 Grad and YESTERDAY I got a FABULOUS call from a 108 bed and expanding/building NEW NICU to 124 beds; and I have... :biggringi

EMPLOYMENT!!! Woo! Hoo! DREAMS DO COME TRUE AFTER NURSING SCHOOL!

It is an internship, paid RN Level I pay, for FIVE months of CLASSROOM and floor training; then I go to RN Level II pay. It was exactly what I was looking for. The manager is a wonderful 17 veteran of this NICU. It is looking awesome.

They also pay for me to become NICU NP in three years!

Am about to wet my pants with glee :imbar

Tiny1Nisolet · Nov 23, 2005

WELL! I am a May 2005 Grad and YESTERDAY I got a FABULOUS call from a 108 bed and expanding/building NEW NICU to 124 beds; and I have... :biggringi
EMPLOYMENT!!! Woo! Hoo! DREAMS DO COME TRUE AFTER NURSING SCHOOL!
It is an internship, paid RN Level I pay, for FIVE months of CLASSROOM and floor training; then I go to RN Level II pay. It was exactly what I was looking for. The manager is a wonderful 17 veteran of this NICU. It is looking awesome.
They also pay for me to become NICU NP in three years!
Am about to wet my pants with glee :imbar

WAHOO! Congrats!

Was this one of the places where you took your portfolio? I am contemplating putting one together. However, I am not sure what I would put in the work experience section. I have not worked while in school as I am a mom of three. I have really stayed home with the kids and not had a job since about the late 1990's. I can not imagine them wanting this info. Also, do you put your clinical experience anywhere? What I mean is, the objectives for the clinical experience that we have had? If so, where does it go? Any input here is greatly appreciated.

Again, congrats!

Jerico, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2005

They not only took my portfolio, but are passing it around. Gads...photos of my kids being passed around.

I also had not worked (other than raising kids and AF reserves) from 1993 to 2005. I put an explanation in the portfolio - that I worked as a "dedicated Mom and wife of a successful man". Managing a successful household, going to school with three kids, that SHOWS something. Most people you will interview with are women who understand juggling family and school and the breaks we must take in our careers.

As far as clinical experiences go, I wrote up each of my preceptor experiences (we had a management experience of about 150 hours; and we had a clinical experience of 145 hours in our Sr semester. I put in ANY positive comments from instructors, preceptors, etc.

Let yourself GLOW; any certificates, I don't care HOW old. All transcripts, no matter how OLD.

I had grades from 1978! :imbar

Jerico, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2005

I think what they realized is that I have SUSTAINED successes over TIME. That isn't easy. It also takes some creativity to come up with an organized, simple and tasteful portfolio.

This is your professional picture of you to them.

Spit and polish. It took me several months to compile it all.

DD214s; my license is in there; a photo of my family with me at graduation pinning.

cc_nurse · Nov 23, 2005

WAHOO for you!! That is amazing, you have a job already. What was the interview like? Can you share some of the questions we should be prepared to answer. I think as we interview we should give each other hints and tips. I will probably start applying as soon as we get through finals. I don't really have a lot of time until then.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi Tiny1

Thanks for you kind words, I am thrilled to have a position all lined up, it is one less thing to worry about:)!

As far as what to expect, the biggest surprise for me was the style and tone of the interview. The NM told me that the PICU and NICU postions rely as much on personality as on grades. My interview consisted of me giving her my transcripts, which she was passing on to HR, and then spending the rest of the time finding out about me and what was drawing me to work in NICU. She said they can teach the skills but they can't teach 'nice'. She told me that they actually really like hiring new grads because we are more pliable than experienced nurses. Dealing with the families in such an intense environment is something that a lot of people are not prepared for.

I would start applying for postions ASAP. Our local hospitals interview really early , especially for any of the specialty floors. So if you are interested in something other than general med-surg, check it out. Good luck! Happy Thanksgiving!

Tiny1Nisolet · Nov 23, 2005

Thanks! I will go and get my applications soon. Tell me this, should I dress up in a suit to pick up my application? Also, as far as a resume, I do not have one done yet. I guess I better start getting it together. Do you put your clinical experiences on the resume? ARGH! Too many things to do, too little time! I need to check out monstor.com for resume tips. I haven't done on of those in years. Any tips on that would be great!

cc_nurse · Nov 23, 2005

Actually it was all pretty easy. I filled out an online application and went from there ! I didn 't have a resume, just a portfolio with some acheivment certificates and then my transcripts. Check into your local facilities process, our school is heavily recruited by the locals and it makes the job process a lot easier. I was really glad I didn't have to do a resume, I haven't done one for many years either, I was a stay at home Mom prior to starting school so to say I was rusty would be an understatement. I defnitely was dressed up for the interview though :chuckle, as far as the application, if you do have to go in, it can never hurt to leave that good first impression for whoever may see you. Its all really exciting isn't it?

vegnurse21 · Nov 28, 2005

WELL! I am a May 2005 Grad and YESTERDAY I got a FABULOUS call from a 108 bed and expanding/building NEW NICU to 124 beds; and I have... :biggringi
EMPLOYMENT!!! Woo! Hoo! DREAMS DO COME TRUE AFTER NURSING SCHOOL!
It is an internship, paid RN Level I pay, for FIVE months of CLASSROOM and floor training; then I go to RN Level II pay. It was exactly what I was looking for. The manager is a wonderful 17 veteran of this NICU. It is looking awesome.
They also pay for me to become NICU NP in three years!
Am about to wet my pants with glee :imbar

CONGRATS!!! I'm so happy for you!

mommy2BCD · Nov 29, 2005

Hey all....as you can tell I am a May 06 grad as well. I am planning on interviewing in some hospitals in the Charlotte, NC area in December and will hopefully know where I am going by the end of January. A lot of places that I have talked to said that they hire their new grads in January and start them in June so hopefully I will know well before I graduate. I would love to get any advice from anyone and hear how everyone is doing with the job hunt.

Any luck in Charlotte? Where did u apply? I am thinking of moving to NC when I graduate next year...let me know! thanks:)

Tiny1Nisolet · Nov 29, 2005

Hey guys! We were just notified as to where we will be precepting. I did get picked for peds. My only prayer is now to be selected for the NICU. I should know in the next day or so. I will keep you posted. I am very excited.

ShannonSRN · Nov 29, 2005

Fingers crossed for you!

I recently found out a hospital about an hour from me takes GN's in the NICU, so I am applying to be a Clinical Tech during my last semester in their Mother/Baby Unit! I have worked in L&D for 5 years, so the transition shouldn't be too bad...So cross your fingers and pray for me. The NICU is growing to a 120 bed unit. Quite exciting!

The only preceptorships we get during clinicals are on med/surg :uhoh3: units, so I will have to pray for luck (as in a job) somewhere else!

Tiny1Nisolet · Nov 30, 2005

Hey guys! I just found out I will be precepting in the NICU starting in Jan. I am so excited. I wanted to share!