Very interested in working in a Nicu - How do I get in?

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After school I want to work in the nicu, Is there n e thing I can do now to better my chances? Do they ever hire fresh new grads? Thanks for ur responses.

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

Many Level 3 NICU's prefer new grads, so they don't have to unlearn a lot of what they needed to work on Adult units. They often prefer BSN grads.

Check around your local hospitals to see whether they are looking for.

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Same here. I've heard that it's extremely hard for new grad to get a NICU position. I'm a sophomore in college now, I should be starting the BSN program at my university next fall. Would it be possible that volunteer experience could help land a job in the NICU? I'm volunteering in the nursery/NICU unit at my local hospital and plan on doing so until I graduate which would give me roughly 3 years worth of volunteer experience in that setting. Would this help? Or not so much?

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Specializes in NICU.

Yep, it should. See if you can work as a tech in the NICU, that should help out quite a bit.

And do a search on this forum; this question is asked frequently.

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Specializes in Rehab/Brain/Stroke/Spine.

My neighbor applied for unit clerk positions in the surrounding NICU's. She was hired during her BSN program. Upon graduating she received a RN position.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

Having an "in" in the unit you want to work in always helps. If you can precept in the NICU, that significantly increases your chances on being hired as a new grad. Also, working as a tech/secretary in the unit works too. Being in the NICU can be tough sometimes. Having at least some exposure to the unit lets the people in charge of hiring know that you know exactly what you're getting into in and you still want to do it! It also gives them the opportunity to see how well you get along with the nurses that are already working there.

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I also want to work in the NICU. It is my dream but I have heard it is VERY hard to get into. I plan on going to get my masters have a neonatal nurse practitioner but to even be considered for the program here (STL, UMSL) you have to have a minimum of 2 years in a level 3 NICU. The preceptorships in NICU are few and far between. Good luck to you!

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Thanks everyone for your responses :)

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