Path to NICU

[Jayjormom]

I am in my final semester of my ASN program. I have done well so far in both theory and clinical. I am working as an ED tech at a local hospital and have already been asked if I would like to stay on once I graduate. I have a paramedic background (11 yrs) so I am pretty familiar with those patients. My tech experience, which will only be about a year once I graduate, has given me some exposure to the ED. I like ED but I would really love to work in NICU. My question is this. Which is the better route to take to get to the NICU? Should I do ED nursing for the critical care experience or peds/adult med surge for that 'good foundation'? And when should I start applying for jobs if I do decide to go the med surge route? Any and all advice is appreciated.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Most helpful would to start in a children's hospital. Any nursing job in pediatrics would get you used to the patient population. Many of the med dosages are weight based. Adult ICU would also be helpful because of the use of vents and different IV drips. I don't think there is necessarily required experience required to get into NICU. I have co-workers come from diverse nursing experience prior to getting hired into NICU.