Soon to be New Grad Wanting NICU Internship

ckey01 · Dec 11, 2012

So I graduate in May and there are about 3 Hospitals in the Dallas area that offer Internships into NICU. I was just wondering what certifications should I get beforehand that might help me get an internship position. I'm thinking NRP PALS. I'll have my ACLS before December ends. Any others anyone can think of?
Also how can I make myself look better in a sea of applicants? My school is pretty rural and I haven't yet gotten a NICU rotation, and I probably won't. I'm going to request my preceptorship into Newborn Nursery. I volunteered last year as a Tech in a very small Women's Service's Unit (L&D, PP, NN). And of course I've done a few days worth of clinical rotations in Women's Services. I just am not sure how to make my resume and cover letter look better... Suggestions and Advice are appreciated.

I was just accepted into the NICU residency at Parkland, starting in February. I'll be graduating w/ my ADN from Collin College this Friday so, if you are, don't worry; not having a BSN will not automatically disqualify you.

Before applying to the residency, I had my ACLS and BLS certification. I was advised not to get my NRP as they will put you through that as part of the residency. On my resume, I highlighted my academic achievements (GPA, selected to be the speaker at pinning ceremony, etc), group memberships (I joined NANN), and my previous work experience in the IT business. I described my previous jobs in a way that highlighted how it might be applicable to a future career in nursing.

All that may have helped, but there's one thing that you HAVE to do to get into these programs. They have hundreds of applicants for very few spots so it all comes down to NETWORKING.

I spent more then 8 months networking with people at Parkland. One of my clinical instructors worked there and was able to get me in touch with some contacts there early this year. I stayed in communication with them throughout the year and they gave me letters of recommendation when the time came. I also volunteered at Parkland and scheduled a tour of the NICU, both of which allowed me to meet people face-to-face. So when it came time for my interview, I was more of a known quantity and I was able to be a bit more relaxed and really just discuss why I wanted to work in the NICU, why I wanted to work at Parkland, and how my work history and nursing school experiences would help me.

It's going to be next to impossible to stand out, no matter how pretty your resume is, if all you're doing is applying through the website. Like I said, they get hundreds of applicants, so to really have a good chance for success your name really needs to already be out there. They will spend thousands of dollars training you so networking and showing that you're dedicated to the NICU and to the hospital and that you're not just out there scatter-shooting your resume to every program and department in the metroplex are the most important things you can do.

Good luck and, if you have any questions, I'll answer anything I can.

EarthhAngel2013 · Dec 12, 2012

Thank you that helps alot. Now my social skills leave alot to be desired. I'm not good at talking with people especially people I've never really met. The three places that offer the NI internships are of course Parkland. By the way HUGE congratulations! I was checking the site maybe a week ago and felt I'd totally missed my chance then I reread it just once and checked all the dates. I was like whew. Okay! A guy in my clinical group works over there as a tech, but I'm not sure how to meet anyone in person other than walking through the door and intorducing myself, grabbing a card on the way out and periodically emailing them and keeping them up to date, so speifics on how you networked would be awesome..... The next place that I think would be awesome is Methodist. My mom says that is an amazing Hospital. (She's been an L&D nurse for 20-30 years.) I'm sure your networking tips will come in very handy throughout my job search. The last is THR Dallas, now my mom has had some very bad experiences with the management of THR Hospitals, and I've tried not to let it sway me, but it has just a tiny bit. If anyone has any input on THR Dallas I'd greatly appreciate it.

In terms of beefing up my resume, I have the time I worked in Women's Services, I have my CNA License, I worked at a few Home Health Agencies, one I didn't exactly leave on good terms with, so I'm not sure how to include that in my resume.

My GPA sucks it's something like a 2.9 possibly lower. It was a 3.43 until Nursing School. I'm gonna try and secure all A's my final semester, because my grades did start rising this last semester, almost made me believe it was possible. I've never done any type of awards or SNA convention or anything like that. I just am trying to keep my head above water in Nursing school. All in all, not alot to work with any tips or advice I would greatly appreciate it.

EarthhAngel2013 · Dec 14, 2012

So here's what I've done so far for my resume and cover letter.

Cover Letter:

Edited for personal reasons

12-13-2012

To Whom It May Concern

Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas

3500 Gaston Avenue,

Dallas, TX, 75246

To Whom It May Concern,

I was pleased to learn of your need for an intern within your Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, as my experiences and career goals are directly in line with this opportunity. My experiences in clinical rotations, volunteering within an Labor and Delivery unit and transitional Newborn Nursery for over four months, and the observations made during these times, I believe have laid an exceptional foundation for the next step of my journey, an internship into the NICU with Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.

I will graduate with an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Nursing from Edit Name of School in May of this coming year. I plan to take the NCLEX-RN shortly thereafter.

I have a special interest in Neonatal Intensive Care; I myself was born at 24 weeks, weighing in at simply 1 pound 3 ounces. I know that had it not been for the exceptional reflexes, efficient teamwork, and exemplary care of the NICU Nurses, I would not be where I am today.

During my time in the newborn nursery as a student I was given the opportunity to expand my neonatal assessment skills. During my time as a volunteer patient care technician in the transitional newborn nursery I was able to witness the working relationships of the staff and the efficient way they managed stressful crisis situations that arose. My observations of these stressful times have stayed with me and have only increased my personal desire to work within the NICU.

To your facility, I offer dedication, patience, compassion and eagerness to grow and learn within the realm of professional nursing. I am a quick learner, with excellent clinical and communication skills. I have acquired a strong foundation of pathophysiology of disease and infectious processes. I am a team player and am willing to help co-workers in need. I am motivated and dedicated to the care I provide every individual patient and family.

I would appreciate your serious consideration for an internship into your NICU. I am excited about beginning my ne career path, and request the opportunity to meet with you in person. I can be reached at Blah Blah. Please contact me at a suitable time.

Sincerely,

Edited for personal reasons

Resume:

Edited for Personal Reasons

I am a graduate nurse seeking to expand my clinical workforce experience in the rapidly growing healthcare industry. My goal is to become a Registered Nurse in May, 2013. I feel I have a strong foundation for acceptance into your Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Internship.

• Excellent clinical and communication skills.

• Ability to learn new concepts quickly.

• Knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, and infection control specifics.

• Knowledge of human growth and development throughout the lifespan.

• Strong foundation of Pathophysiology of Disease and Infection.

• Knowledge and experience with IV starts and discontinuations, Phlebotomy, Foley Catheter insertion and discontinuation, and strong abilities in maintaining sterile techniques, and fields.

Education:

Associate’s Degree Nursing Program (Level IV), Blah Blah (August, 2011-May, 2013)

Patient Care Technician Course, Blah Blah (January-April, 2010)

Prerequisites for RN Program, Blah Blah, 2008-December, 2009)

High School Diploma, Blah Blah, (May, 2008)

Certifications:

 CNA License # Blah Blah (April, 2010-December, 2013)

 BLS Healthcare Provider (December, 2011- December, 2013)

 ACLS Healthcare Provider (December, 2012 – December, 2014)

 Certified as a Spinal Screener (September, 2011 – September, 2016)

 Certified as Hearing and Vision Screener (September, 2012 – September 2017)

 Attended Breast Health Awareness Training (November, 2012)

Professional Memberships:

o National Student Nurses Association Membership # Blah Blah (October, 2010 – October, 2013)

Work History:

 Blah Blah, CNA/Home Aide, (August, 2011-December, 2011)

 Blah Blah, CNA/Attendant to Blah Blah, (February, 2011-June, 2011)

Volunteer History:

 Blah Blah, Labor and Delivery and Transitional Newborn Care (September, 2010-February, 2011)

 Blah Blah (January, 2009-December, 2009)

References:

 Blah Blah