new grad wanting nicu

EricJRN, MSN, RN · May 18, 2006

Yes. Although I'm not from either of those states, I'd look for hospitals with internship programs for new grads. Many times they'll hire interns straight into FT positions.

tanaynicole · May 20, 2006

can a new grad become a NICU nurse right out of school w/ no NICU experience just observation??? if so can you recommend a program? looking in mass and Cali (bay area, la, Sandie). thanks!

I don't think the nursing program has anything to do with it. I'm a new grad in the same position, and here's my recommendation to you.

When it is time for you to arrange your preceptorship, try to get placement in the NICU you are interested in working. Talk to the nurse manager, assistant manager, and any staff you can, let them know that you are VERY interested in working there.

I know lots of new grads that got offers from their precepting placement.

If you can handle working and school try getting a tech, or clerk position in a NICU that you are interested in, (or even just in the hospital).

I live in Cali. and the problem I'm finding is not that they won't hire new grads, it's that the good hospitals, the ones with the best reputation have the least openings. There employees are happy and stay a long time.

Good Luck,

Oh one more thing someone told me... if the hospital you are interested in has no NICU positions available, try Mother/Baby or Newborn nursery... this way you will get a good normal newborn background, and being a employee at that hospital gets your first dibs at open positions.

antona · May 21, 2006

Just make application to the hospitals you want to work for. If they hire new grads you'll find out. Some do, some don't. I went straight to charge of a newborn nursery right out of school. Work there for a year and then went to a NICU. The nurse manager at this NICU supposedly liked to hire new grads because she felt they were better trained than nurses who were already trained somewhere else. Some of the new grads thought it was too intense though straight out of school. I'm glad I had the newborn experience. Good Luck!

GrnHonu99, RN · May 21, 2006

can a new grad become a nicu nurse right out of school w/ no nicu experience just observation??? if so can you recommend a program? looking in mass and cali (bay area, la, sandiego). thanks!

Im in ohio but I know atleast 4 of my fellow students who have accepted jobs in the NICU. My prof. made the comment that they like hiring new grads into the NICU bc they can shape you into their perfect NICU nurse. Good LUck!

nell · May 21, 2006

I am in Cali (greater bay area). It just depends on how much in need a particular unit is. If there aren't any experienced nurses available, there will be new grad positions. Search for hospitals in the areas you are interested in and check their websites for new grad programs. Also, contact their managers and ask if they'll train a new grad (Our hospital doesn't have "official" new grad programs).

Getting your foot in the door via internship, unlicensed work on the unit or in Newborn nursery/Mother-Baby is very good advice. Our unit didn't even have an open position at the time, but our (former) Admin. support started her orientation when she passed her boards and will have a position that is opening up soon.

New grads can make very good NICU nurses as they don't have to "unlearn" so much (neonates are very different critters from adults or even Peds).

Good luck.

nell

elizabells, BSN, RN · May 22, 2006

Careful with getting a tech or other unlicensed position - I was going to do that on the unit where I did my final preceptorship, but was told that they basically NEVER hire aides into RN positions when a job does open up. Thankfully I didn't have to find that out the hard way, as some have before, apparently. So just check with people on the unit you want to work for and get the scoop on that.

slu_rn · May 24, 2006

I was just hired into the NICU as my first job out of school. I did work as a tech for the last year in that hospital, but not in the NICU. I just did an internal transfer after interviewing with the NM on the floor. I do know of a couple of other students I graduated with who were hired into NICUs as well. I hope this helps! Oh we're also in the Midwest.

desilu92 · May 25, 2006

I am a recent graduate working in a California NICU. I do have LVN experience in pediatrics but have never worked in a hospital until nursing school. When I did my preceptorship, I worked on a peds floor that had a 6 bed Level II NICU. When I graudated, I took all of my experiences and it has definitely paid off. I just finished a 4 month orientation and am now working on my own. I had to move to central California to take the position but it has all been worth it. Good luck!!

Desirae

dbug4743 · May 29, 2006

HEllo.. I am in Texas and was hired on in the NICU without any experience. The only problem you may face is that many of the hospitals started interviewing for these positions in the early spring so you may have to wait until the fall. Keep your ears open for positions and also maybe start in Labor and delivery. Good luck.

m_orange · May 31, 2006

I am in the Washington, DC area and I was hired as a new grad right into the NICU. Granted I had worked there as a tech in both mother/baby and NICU so that helped but I also started with 5 other new grads. I also had several other job offers in area NICUs. I think it depends on your area and the hospital itself.

Nursing_you · Jun 1, 2006

Hello,

My name is Madison, I am new to the site and also I am a new grad with NO prior NICU experience or externships and was hired on at a Level III NICU starting this month! So yes, (depending on the hospital) you can be hired as a new grad into that department. I personally think that its better to start as a new grad in the NICU because you will not have to unlearn anything. Hope this helps. Good Luck