Transferring into the NICU advice

[bexspn]

Hi, my name is Becca and I graduated from nursing school with a BSN in May. My absolute passion and the reason I wanted to be a nurse is to work in the NICU, however when I was applying for jobs after I graduated there were no openings in either of the NICUs in my town. I accepted a job in the cardiac telemetry unit, and I'm just coming off of orientation and working on my own this week. I enjoy it, and I feel like I'm learning a lot, especially about the nursing process, but I know it's not where I want to be.

I was wondering if anyone had any advice on the best way to try and get into the NICU. I don't want to just leave the CTU because I feel like it would be rude for me to get a job and then leave right away, but I know I don't want to be here long term. Is it best if I email the manager of the NICU to tell them I'm very interested in working there, or should I just wait and apply if there are any open positions next spring? I don't know if I should talk to my nursing manager about it, or if she'd be upset about me wanting to transfer, but I don't really know how to go about trying to get into the unit!

Someone mentioned to me as well that I could try cross training or seeing if there are any PRN positions in the NICU, but I didn't know if they would necessarily want a new grad and someone in such a different unit to fill that sort of position. Does anyone have any advice on transferring into the NICU from such a vastly different unit? And how I can get my name in and express my interest without offending my current nurse managers.

Thank you so much :)

[bexspn]

No advice from anyone?

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

Most place will not let you transfer for a year. Look up your HR policy. And they can block you from transferring and then you will only have the option to quit. Most hospitals will balk at paying for two orientations so close together.