want to be a NICU nurse

cheska_rn, ASN, RN · Nov 23, 2009

hi there!

i am a nursing student who will be starting in january, and like you, would love to be a nicu nurse.

have you checked out the nicu section of this forum? it has a ton of really good info on it.

https://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/

i especially enjoyed this thread w/the stickeys.

https://allnurses.com/nicu-nursing-forum/day-life-nicu-309385.html

i don't have any other links handy, but i remember a few threads that talked about the different certifications that are beneficial to those wanting to get into nicu nursing.

good luck w/clinicals!

:stdnrsrck:

krenee · Nov 23, 2009

You have as good a chance to be a NICU nurse as anything else! Doesn't mean you'll get hired in the NICU immediately after graduation but go for it. Lots of hospitals do hire new grads directly into the NICU and you could get lucky - just apply. Best thing to do is to do a preceptorship in the NICU your senior year. That could lead to a job. Otherwise, get in where you can after graduation and keep trying. I did my preceptorship in the NICU and then was hired into the postpartum/newborn nursery area with plans to move me into the NICU at a future date. My facility wants me very familiar with the normal newborn before moving me to NICU.

Good luck!

Kelly

neonatal_nurse · Nov 24, 2009

I totally agree with krenee. It would be an edge if you get your BLS/CPR,NALS, PALS.

Good Luck!

sophie<3 · Dec 7, 2009

thank you guys so much! i had no idea that some NICUs hired new grads! and i loved the stickeys too cheska, especially the funny/happy things in the NICU, really made me excited to get a job there one day, seems like a lot of nurses love their job as a NICU nurse. good luck to you too!