What will it take?

Lots of places don't care how you earned your degree as long as you are a licensed RN. I graduated from a community college and was hired as a new grad in the NICU.

Have you talked to the NICU where you volunteered? I got my first job because of volunteering (not at the NICU), but that's a good way to get your foot in the door--esp. if the Nurse Manager already knows you :).

We hire BSN and ADN just the same. I would say 1/3 of our staff is either ADN or Diploma nurses. Most of these have received advanced certification (RNC or CCRN) and some are also pursuing their BSN.

Hello to all -

I will be starting my 1st semester of NS in about 5 weeks. I usually try to stay in the "student" section, but I'm confident I will find a more reliable answer here.

Again, this will be my 1st semester of 2 4 semester ADN program. I anticipate working a year or two once I receive my ADN, then going back to complete a RN to BSN bridge. I volunteered for a while in a large NICU here in the Dallas metroplex just to make sure that this is want I want to do with the rest of my life & I CANNOT WAIT to take care of those teeny-tiny babies! I'm wondering if the BSN, although preferable, if it is truly necessary to work in the NICU. I would love to get a feel for what the requirement is around the country/nation, but more specifically, I would love to hear from RN's from Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, & East Texas.

Thanks so much!

It would be good if you can get into a new grad training program for NICU, it doesn't matter if you have an ADN or BSN. The pay in Ca. is the same for bedside nurses, and you go through the same orientation.

Don't need BSN. In my unit there truly is no distinction, except sometimes people will start talking about college experiences so then we will find out if someon has their BSN vs. ADN. Some area hospitals will reimburse your school costs if you decide to go back for your BSN. Many DFW area hospitals have training programs for new grads. My constant advice is make friends with some of the graduating nurses who go to units you are considering and stay in contact with them. They will be an excellent resource to let you know how new grads are treated in any particular unit.

Thanks for all of your great responses - It has lifted my spirits tremendously. Thanks for the reminder about internships at local hospitals. I forgot until it was mentioned that Parkland - one of the best hospitals in the nation - has a NICU internship & it is right under my nose! I will have to check it out this week, just so I don't miss the opportunity when it is time. Again, thanks tons for your input.