want to get a NICU job...tips please?

[IHeartPeds87]

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!"

[Leanne62499]

First you have to find out if the hospital/unit you are interested in hire new grads in their NICU. Some hospitals will take new nurses and teach them, but some don't . If you have the chance to do some practicum in the NICU, and make yourself known to the nurses there, than you might have a better chance. Honestly it all depends on the manager, and hospital practices...

Good luck!

[spacey]

Well, you'll probably be so busy with your required activities you will wonder how to squeeze in anything else! :) You can always try to arrange for your final preceptorship to be in a NICU if your school allows it. That would be the best, most direct way to gain some experience and get your foot in the door. In addition, some NICU's do use techs and / or volunteers....you could always look into that.

A couple of things you might not think of.....

You might consider becoming familiar with and actively supporting the local Ronald McDonald House.....this experience would expose you to the types of families you'd be working with in the NICU and would also show your willingness to serve as needed and be a team player. Be sure to get a letter of recommendation detailing your service.

You could focus any psych papers or studies on the topic of perinatal loss, and mention your research at your interview. There may very well be support groups locally you could visit, (call the leader and find out the policy on that.) Other interesting psych / NICU topics could include the effect of a NICU stay on the siblings, or the effects of multiple births on a family.

Breast feeding is promoted heavily in NICU's.....any additional education or CEU's etc you could get to enhance your understanding of the importance of breast feeding or to increase your ability to assist mom's with breast feeding would certainly be an asset. Maybe there will be an opportunity to shadow a lactation consultant for a day or so. Again, a written recommendation from her.....showing your hours and detailing what you saw might be helpful.

You should also inquire about conferences in your area that might include information pertinent to the NICU. Many hospitals have "grand rounds" or even host regional conferences or courses. You can probably get a student discount as well. If you call the staff educator of the local NICU's she might be able to steer you towards some interesting lectures or classes. When you do attend these events.....be sure to meet people and let them know you're looking for a NICU position upon graduation!

I hope these ideas get you started! Good luck!

[Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN]

NRP and PALS would look good on a résumé, too.

[neonatal_nurse]

You can get your NALS, STABLE and PALS. Maybe volunteer in the area. You can actually get hired in NICU as a new grad. That's what i did.

Good Luck! :)