What did you do before?

I had always been interested in working with NICU babies, but the hospital I started my career in had not yet opened one. It was a pediatric hospital, and this was in 1976. I started by working in a Medical-Surgical/ Isolation floor for 1½ years. Whenever I was floated to the PICU, I found that I enjoyed the type and pace of work there. When an opening became available, I transferred to the PICU, and worked there for 2½ years. Finally, the hospital opened its' own NICU, with 15 beds. That was in March 1980. I was the first RN hired to work there. I loved my job; NICU nursing was what I had been waiting for, and I worked in the field for 30 years. I am now retired.

Having a solid base in caring for a variety of patients on the floor, then in the PICU, gave me the experience and helped my transition to the NICU. Because at the time, not much was known about NICU nursing. We studied everything we could get our hands on, & had experienced neonatologists to guide us.

Medsurg

Adult oncology

I was fortunate to go right into the NICU as a GN.

medical/oncology with tele

I was fortunate to go right into the NICU as a GN.

Me too.

Many years of general Peds, PICU, Peds private duty.

Came to Level III NICU as a new grad... I was a nurse tech (float) at the hospital that I now work at, which may have made me "more marketable."

Graduate nurse :) I have worn many hats in our unit and moonlighted in PICU and PACU :)

this definitely gives me hope! im hoping to work in a pediatric hospital but im in an adn program and most of the pediatric hospitals prefer bsn so i might have to wait till i finish that route!

Me too.

Same here.

I also started in the NICU as a GN. It can happen, good luck!