Linz175

Daniella - Thank you! That is very good advice. I am definitely willing to start somewhere else the will give me things I need to prepare for the NICU and hopefully get hired. I can see how all the aspects of postpartum fit in. Thank you again! nightnurse - Thank you for your input. Don't worry I don't think any of those things. Although I must say it's a real downer when I'm really happy to know what I want (for once!) and the "that's what everyone wants to do", "You don't just play with and hold babies all day" comes right after. I'm actually dreading the class where we all say what field we are interested in because I feel the teacher will judge me as one of "those" students. I hate that what I want is the most popular-I usually like to go against the grain. It's also disappointed that any nursing student interested in pediatrics/NICU get puts down for wanting it at some point. *Ok, sorry! My rant is done!* But yes, I totally understand what you're saying. There's probably a decent amount of people that do believe it's easy, fun and you get to hold babies all day. I'll definitely be keeping an open mind to other fields. What I like most about the idea of NICU nursing is; Getting to comfort the parents-building a relationship with them, understanding the in's & out's of disorders and complications, building a trust with the doctors, and talking to and soothing babies. I like to be relied on :) Thanks again :)

Thank you for the input! Don1984- that's pretty good advice! I haven't heard of a special care nursery position before. I'll be looking that up today and see what hospitals around me have them. I have a bachelors degree in film and plan to be in debt for a decent amount of time so the idea of going to school LONGER is painful-but I'll suck it up for a job that I really want. Also around here-once you are hired the hospital will pay for additional school, so that's a pretty good option. Jennjax- good luck with school! I'm 27 so definitely a bit past my prime school years as well :) I'm in bio now and I feel like an old lady with everyone fresh out of high school! haha I've seen people post that they didn't have a bachelors when they went into the NICU. I was just hoping that MAYBE that was common? I guess we will both find out! ctBSN14- awesome! Those are really great ideas on how to get some good points on a resume! I never thought about student nursing at a summer camp. I'm still a little nervous about getting another job like a CNA because I would have to quit my job as a nanny and I LOVE it plus I'm close to the family I will have to really consider that soon though..... hayloftbham- That's a good idea too! I was just thinking of finding a manager one a unit that interests me and find out how I can help out (even on a volunteer basis.) But yes, getting to know management would be key! Thanks :)

Hello everyone! I'm hoping to start nursing school next year and I'm 99% sure I want to work in the NICU. I say 99% instead of 100% because I hear that people change their minds during school. I'm pretty confident I won't (especially after reading why NICU nurses loves their jobs.) I would LOVE to work at my city's Children's hospital but I know they don't have openings that often. I'm afraid that being hired in the NICU as a new graduate would be a long shot (especially since I am doing a 2 year degree.) I was wondering what everyone's background was before being hired in the NICU. Is there anything I can do that would increase my chances? Any classes to take outside of an associates degree? Any events/organizations to get involved with? I was going to try volunteering at the hospital or asking if they have some sort of internship. I just doubt they do internships for those who aren't in the nursing program yet. Also I work 3 days a week as a nanny and go to school 2x a week (getting all my core classes done.) So I'm afraid I wont even have that much spare time. I appreciate any feedback you have! Thank you! Lindsay