PCT in NICU, hoping to be hired as an RN after graduation

avaloncar, BSN, RN · May 26, 2013

Hi, congrats. And you have more than a foot in the door at this point all you have to do is sell yourself. Show your excitement and put your best foot forward. Express how much you love the NICU and want to work there, be the one who wants to help out the nurses with procedures, speak to the managers, be eager to learn. If they see this, they won't have a problem hiring you when it comes down to it. Most of the time when you work on a unit, you have a higher chance of getting a job there as a RN.

Good luck and keep us updated on your experiences!

babyNP., APRN · May 26, 2013

You need to act like you're being interviewed every day. Show your enthusiasm and eagerness for NICU. Say hi to everyone and make the small talk so people will get to know you. Always be willing to do what's asked of you (within reason!), don't "hide" away from the nurses to avoid tasks (yes, this is a problem with some techs). Ask questions related to the baby's condition, if the nurse is amenable to that kind of conversation and is not too busy (i.e. don't do this when the baby is crashing). Let everyone know when you're graduating too.

Best of luck.

student_stephanie · May 29, 2013

Thank you both for your helpful advice :) I am so very grateful that I have been given this opportunity and will be sure to put my best foot forward every shift. The way I see it, the more I put into this experience and opportunity, the more I will get out of it. Thanks again!

jnick31 · May 29, 2013

Not just this one but everything in life

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Jun 1, 2013

Leave your cell phone at home. Don't be one of those detached Facebookers while at work. Seek out things to do/learn. Bring me some Krispy Kreme donuts. :)

labordude, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2013

Leave your cell phone at home. Don't be one of those detached Facebookers while at work. Seek out things to do/learn. Bring me some Krispy Kreme donuts. :)

Unless you live up here in the Northeast and then it better be DUNKIN!

In all seriousness, take advantage of the knowledgeable people around you and find ways to observe and learn. Show your interest and most times it will be rewarded with a learning experience. I love when we have student techs or interns in the unit because I really enjoy teaching. You will likely find a few nurses on the unit that have that kind of personality, find a way to work with them!

student_stephanie · Jul 18, 2013

Thank you for all the helpful advice!

Just to give you a bit of an update- I LOVE my job. :) I definitely respect each and every one of the nurses on my unit for what they do. It's given me a whole new perspective to nursing. I've been learning as much as I can each shift, and have been trying to seek out new things. I've been able to go on a couple of deliveries, participate in the admission and discharge processes, and assisted a nurse in caring for a newborn with anencephaly on my first day!

Also, about the donuts thing- I brought in some donuts on my first day and the nurses seemed to love it, haha. The only thing I forgot to consider is that there are about 50 nurses staffed on the unit, so they went pretty quick! Another thing I learned is that on the weekends the doctors bring in bagels for the nursing staff. :) I could definitely get used to that.

cdlpnchick · Jul 20, 2013

Congrats! I would love to work in the NICU. My goal is to be a NNP. I'm in lpn and I'm bridging for BSN. I hope I can find an opportunity to work as a PCT. I rarely see opportunities. Good Luck!