want to get a NICU job...tips during nursing school?

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Hi! So I know that nursing student's don't spend a lot of time in the NICU. As an aspiring NICU nurse, what are some things that I can do during nursing school to increase my chances of being hired into a NICU after graduation? Are there certifications I can earn? Courses I can take? How do you get a foot in the door, since most nurse tech positions aren't offered in the NICU?

Any information would be greatly appreciated to make my resume look like "hey she would be perfect for our open NICU position!"

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I don't have any answers for you, but I would be extremely interested in any help with this also, as I too would like to be a NICU nurse (which I totally didn't expect, but after spending some time there, absolutely loved it!).

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

I did my final clinical in the NICU and used that to get my foot in the door.

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I am not a NICU nurse, but a new grad, so here are my suggestions: If your school offers any shadow experience or practicum, of course you want to try to do yours in the NICU. Most schools from my understanding do not have a clinical rotation in the NICU, but BSN programs usually require a practicum in any setting the student wants. I was in an ADN program, no practicum, but we had a shadow experience and I did NICU. You could apply for a tech position in the NICU too. Many NICUs do not utilize techs but some do (I floated to NICU often as a tech when I worked in L&D) As oppose to just applying after graduation, try contacting the director at the NICU of your choice and let her know that upon graduation you are interested in working in the NICU. Ask for a shadow experience and any advice. Ask if you can volunteer if she cannot offer you a tech position. Even if you cannot get a NICU tech job, you could "settle" for Peds, L&D or Mother/Baby -it's a start. As far as certifications - NRP, maybe PALS. Keep your eyes open for any continuing education classes you could take during nursing school. I am interested in L&D so I joined AWHONN (Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Newborn Nurses) although I don't even have a nursing position. It allows me ample opportunity to learn about maternal and newborn nursing, an initiative that I will be able to offer an employer over another new grad. During nursing school, I also attended a breastfeeding seminar and a perinatal loss class, just examples of extras that may hopefully help to land a job. It would be nice to hear from some actual NICU nurses or even NICU Nurse Mangers on this thread! Good luck WANT2BANURSESOON!

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Get a job in the NICU as a desk clerk. Our clerk just got his RN and is now on days while most of us have to start on nights. You will learn so so much just clerking!

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Get a job in the NICU as a desk clerk. Our clerk just got his RN and is now on days while most of us have to start on nights. You will learn so so much just clerking!

This is true. I know a NICU secretary who knows so much about the procedures and what types of tests are indicated for particular dx, etc. This is because she always has her nose in the chart and is the one typing in the orders, and you eventually learn the standars of care. She may not have the hands-on technical skills but those are things that with experience one could learn to do. It's the knowledge base that gives one such a good foundation in a specialty. Some of the NICU techs at this particular hospital also work as secretaries, so they get a feel for the specialty from both approaches.

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