futureNICUrn14

Yesterday I called the nurse manager of the NICU I am interested in working for to obtain some information I couldn't obtain searching online. I am located in California and the NICU I applied for is in South Dakota, so I can't just walk in and get the information I need. The nurse manager was very receptive to me and gave me the information I was seeking such as what level NICU they had, what their orientation program consisted of and most important if they hired new grads. Shortly after I asked my questions she started asking me questions, which I should have expected. I am just nervous that I didn't give the impression that I am so committed to working in the NICU I would happily leave warm sunny California to live in South Dakota to do what my heart desires. HR is no help basically they will email me if they are not interested but it has been 2 weeks since I submitted my application...nothing yet. If a person calls a nurse manager that has to show some sort of dedication, right? If someone were to call you and you were a nurse manager would you take that person into consideration? Have you ever called a nurse manager? Was the outcome good? After hearing about the hospital and the orientation program it made me even more excited to possibly get a job there. No calls from HR yet but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I am a recent graduate. I thought the NCLEX was tough but this job hunt is proving that to be wrong. My question is should I be persistent in my search for a NICU position or would it be best to take any job I can get? This answer will lead to my main question...Would you rather hire and train a new grad RN who has no previous floor experience or would you rather hire and train an RN who has experience working med-surg to work in the NICU? I am not opposed to relocation and have already applied to NICU positions in several different states. I am open to other nursing positions as well, I am definitely not closing any doors. I am so dedicated to finding a NICU positioin that I have purchased the Merenstein and Gardner's Neonatal Intensive Care book and I have been reviewing it nightly. If you have any words of hope or encouragement. Constructive criticism is always appreciated as well. Thank you for your time.