I'm a Dec 2014 grad. I've grown exceedingly interested in the nicu and one of the new grad residency programs I applied to does include nicu as one of the units they hire new grads into. Obviously, I want to spice up my resume if there are indeed any openings for new grads there.
I've read about NRP, PALS, and STABLE ..... which would be best for me to try and obtain this month in regards to spicing up my resume while being cost effective and considering I'm a new grad? I just want to show that my interest is serious .... and I've got the passion part on lock! I get happy butterflies thinking about working in the nicu!
I also am looking at volunteering in the nursery or nicu this month as well.
Hi! I'm also a new graduate RN (graduated Dec 2014) interested in the NICU. I think the certs are a great way to boost your resume. I live in Northern California and the new grad programs here all require NRP for the NICU. And even if NRP wasn't required, it does show your dedication to the specialty. I've have also taken the introductory EFM class offered by AWHONN since it's often required by new grad maternity programs. I'm planning on taking a STABLE class next month. I also ordered Merenstein and Gardner's Handbook to Neonatal Intensive Care (saw the book mentioned many times in the NICU forum here) to read up on neonatal nursing. I wasn't able to do my preceptorship in the NICU so I want to learn as much about neonatal nursing as I can. I did spend three days in the NICU during my maternity rotation and I fell in love with it.
I think you should take them because it will look like you are proactive in progressing into your career. With that said, the above posters are correct that you will need NRP and/or STABLE when you are hired and most hospitals will have you take it again. Mine had me take BLS and NRP even though my BLS was current. It would be wise to invest your time in creating a portfolio highlighting academic achievements and display the certifications during your interview. Good Luck!
I would think it wouldn't hurt, but I agree that having a bit of context helps, as in, having started orientation. The 1st time you take NRP is the worst, as there is a lot of memorization, imo--sizes of ET tubes, flow rates drug doses, and you need to have them literally @ your fingertips, but after that, it's not so bad.
I would also get either a Merenstein and Gardner or a Core Curriculum book and start highlighting. Again, jmo.
I am a new grad nurse (December 2014), and I will be starting in a level IV NICU the first week of April. I took NRP and STABLE the summer before my last semester. I also became a student member of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses and the Academy of Neonatal Nurses. I wanted to make sure I stood out against several people in my class that wanted to work in NICU, and I can tell you that it really impressed managers. It showed them that I was dedicated and passionate about NICU.
I also was blessed to have an internship during school at a hospital with a level III NICU. I was able to spend 72 hours shadowing a nurse there during my last year of school which I'm sure helped also. My senior practicum was in pediatrics/PICU rather than NICU so it is not a deal breaker if you don't have it in the NICU.
Your best bet to get into a NICU right out of school is through a nurse residency program. Both of the NICU interviews I had were for residency positions at teaching hospitals. Although they are not the only way to get into NICU as a new grad nurse....the chances are greater with a residency than finding a hospital that doesn't require experience. Searching for NICU jobs can be a bit discouraging since they aren't very prevalent. NICU nurses seem to love their jobs. :) Don't give up!
Kriggs19 - Hey! I remember you from one of the other nicu threads. I'm glad to see that you'll be starting in a nicu soon! What state are you in? I'm trying to keep track of some of the users here that are starting soon or have started recently so we can share information and tips with each other.
Kriggs19 - Hey! I remember you from one of the other nicu threads. I'm glad to see that you'll be starting in a nicu soon! What state are you in? I'm trying to keep track of some of the users here that are starting soon or have started recently so we can share information and tips with each other.
I'm really excited to be starting soon! Dream come true! I'm going to be in Iowa at University of Iowa Children's Hospital. Kind of a ways from home, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity. :) That's an awesome idea, and I would love to participate! I start April 6th, but I'm I think that I won't have floor time for about 2 weeks. Orientation to the facility, nurse residency, and NICU classes. When do/did you start, XelaRN? Where are you working?
I'll be starting on Monday! I'm super nervous haha, but I'm thrilled to be starting in a NICU! This is definitely also my dream job. I'll be at lurie children's hospital in Chicago. I'm not sure when we'll be on the floor either, but hopefully they'll let us know on Monday or Tuesday what our schedule is for the first few weeks.
That's super exciting! I was actually supposed to start Monday as well, but getting Illinois to transfer my license has been a bit of a process to say the least. I always get so excited to hear about others being able to start in the specialty they want, and at such an amazing hospital no less! Good luck on your first few days!
Nurse Christina
1 Post
Hi! I'm also a new graduate RN (graduated Dec 2014) interested in the NICU. I think the certs are a great way to boost your resume. I live in Northern California and the new grad programs here all require NRP for the NICU. And even if NRP wasn't required, it does show your dedication to the specialty. I've have also taken the introductory EFM class offered by AWHONN since it's often required by new grad maternity programs. I'm planning on taking a STABLE class next month. I also ordered Merenstein and Gardner's Handbook to Neonatal Intensive Care (saw the book mentioned many times in the NICU forum here) to read up on neonatal nursing. I wasn't able to do my preceptorship in the NICU so I want to learn as much about neonatal nursing as I can. I did spend three days in the NICU during my maternity rotation and I fell in love with it.