Question reguarding Neonatal nursing

prmenrs, RN · Jun 21, 2005

At this point, you just need to do the best job you can in your nursing program. If the program offers a practicum, or internship, or something that you can choose to spend several weeks in a certain area, ask to be placed in a Level III NICU. If not, don't worry.

Around the time you're ready to graduate, apply to a (preferrably university teaching) hospital that has a NICU. MAKE SURE it has a thorough orientation program/new grad program. Do not listen to those instructors who say you should have a year in med-surg--it won't help and may be counterproductive. (there are other threads about that) Don't know what part of the country you live in, but you should have no trouble being hired as a new grad.

If you have the time and energy, working as an aide or even volunteering may give you a glimpse into a unit in your area.

Best of luck in your endeavors!

Ginyer · Jun 21, 2005

I'm about to finish my second semester of nursing school (and 2nd semester of clinicals) I think you'll be surprised by how you feel once you start your clinicals...I knew exactly what I wanted to do before I started school. Now I've only had two semesters of clinicals and while I'm leaning towards wanting to work in the NICU, I say 'I don't know' when people ask me. I don't think I'll know for sure until I have some exposure to it. Most of the students in my class feel the same way...we all started out knowing exactly what department we wanted to work in and now most of us have no idea. Hopefully once you go thru your clinicals you'll get a good idea but make sure to keep an open mind when you get started or you might miss out on something you would enjoy more. For example, my clinicals last semester were in telemetry which I thought I would hate and I loved it...this semester I'm in ortho/neuro which I thought I would enjoy and I'm not enjoying it at all.

As posted in the earlier reply, voluteering is a really good idea. Most hospitals have programs for prenursing students where they alternate you throughout the hospital so you get a lot of exposure to different areas, mostly just observing but may even get a little hands on experience with some things. Also see if your hospital has 'cuddlers' in their NICU. After you volunteer for about a semester try getting a part time job as an aid in the area you're most interested in. Good luck!

Ginyer

PS do some research on this site...there are hundreds of very informative posts that will answer almost any question you may have as a student interested in the NICU

rnpilot · Jun 22, 2005

You've gotten some great advice, and I'd like to add this- make your intentions known in Dec.-Jan. before graduation if you graduate in June. Many hospitals plan on bringing the new grads in around June-July and start interviewing in Jan. Good Luck!