NICURN7

Hi there! I actually just applied as well and was wondering the same thing! I have no idea what the process consists of after applying and/or when we will hear back. ?

If you are asking whether or not you need L & D or well baby experience to become a competent NICU nurse, I do not think you do. I went into NICU straight out of school, and I have never looked back or regretted my choice in any way. My nurse manager actually told me during my interview that she prefers to hire new grads because their behaviors as a caregiver aren't developed quite yet (I.E. no bad habits to break), but all managers are different. I work in a very large level IV at a teaching hospital. I received a 16 week orientation (part classroom and shifts on the floor) and I felt it was sufficient to care for our critically ill patients as a new grad. It is a difficult job and it will challenge you mentally and emotionally on a daily basis, but this goes for all of nursing. You MUST have the passion for it though, and if you do, go for it! My advice to you is to pursue your dreams, and don't get discouraged. The right opportunity will come.

I have a little over a year of level IV NICU experience. If you aren't nervous the first few times you lay your hands on a 400g baby there is something seriously wrong with you! But yes, it's completely normal to be nervous around newborns I think. They are very fragile and can turn on you on a dime, I mean literally in the blink of an eye. Kids compensate so well and then crash and burn furiously. Their tiny bodies demand respect, proficiency, and great attention to detail. It takes some real fine tuning and a legit skill set to recognize a slight decline for what it is, and what it could be. It can be terrifying. I work with so many nurses who have previous med/surg experience and they all tell me our deaths are so much more difficult to cope with than deaths in the adult world. It's very different. I absolutely love my job to pieces though and I am so happy I ended up where I did. It's rewarding and it's tough, but all nursing is tough! We are a bunch of iron clad folks. We're built for it. Go where your heart leads you, try something new if you're up for the challenge. That is my best advice :)

Hello everyone! I am a NICU nurse in a very large level IV NICU in the only freestanding children's hospital in my home state. I truly love NICU and tiny people are my passion, I am eager to learn and grow. I have a little over a year of experience and I am very interested in travel nursing. (Part of my passion as a student was to become a traveler.) I took this job straight out of school, therefore I have no other nursing experience. I am wondering if I need to have two years of experience before applying, or if the level of care I am required to deliver currently on a daily basis will hold any kind of merit in the application process. I know this field is extremely competitive, but I am very eager to grow and willing to compromise on certain things. Any input on this topic is welcome, please share your stories and advice regarding traveling. Thank you all!!