Why do YOU love being a NICU nurse and can new graduates apply?

NICUNurseEliz · Jan 11, 2016

I started by working as a new grad in a pediatric/maternity hospital on the pediatric medsurg floor. Then after a year, I transferred to the NICU in the same hospital. My hospital does (reluctantly) hire new grads to the NICU but they do prefer nurses with some acute care experience. I don't know of any states or cities that ban new grads from working in critical care areas. You would have to check with the hospitals that you are interested in applying to since some do not hire new grads to their ICUs. Some hospitals will offer residencies for new grads as well.

I love the NICU because I love taking care of children and premies are awesome! Just be aware that there can be poor outcomes in the NICU and that you are prepared for that. I've seen quite a few new people come and go quickly when they realized that the NICU is so much more than pink healthy babies who get to go home with good parents.

RachealAnne · Jan 11, 2016

Thank you or your reply, do they prefer BSN or will they still take associates? Was school very hard? I know its changing every year basically. :)

I am a pretty emotionally stable person when it comes to those sorts of things. I want to be a NICU nurse because I want to help the baby have a chance to live a full healthy life (I know that doesn't always happen), I want to do it for the baby, and the parent/parents. I know that working there would give me great pride and I would feel like I am making a difference in someones life. I have only ever wanted to work with babies, not because they are small and cute, but because a new life shouldn't have to end so soon before they even get a chance to live it.

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Jan 11, 2016

The degree depends on the area, but a BSN will give you a head start.All the NICUs by us hire new grads into our residency program.

Call units by you and see if you can shadow. It will give you an inside glimpse. We have people who come and shadow and decide it isn't for them.

And as as you go they school, you will experience other places, all the things you stated go for any area of nursing ðŸ™‚

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Jan 11, 2016

A lot can change between now and the time you graduate as far as what opportunities may be available to you. To be at your most competitive, you should probably go for the highest degree, but that won't guarantee you anything...

NICU is pretty competitive to get into. Most sick people are not babies and children. And while I am not an NICU nurse, I've heard that there are worse outcomes than "a new life having to end". Suffering can be great for those who are "saved".

NICUNurseEliz · Jan 11, 2016

Our hospital only hires BSNs but some other hospitals do hire ASN nurses. So you will need to check with the hospitals you are interested in applying at to see their hiring requirements.

Definitely agree with the idea of shadowing because it can definitely help you decide if NICU nursing is a career you want to continue to pursue. :) Nursing school is a lot of work but if you're determined and work hard, it's manageable. Good luck!

RachealAnne · Jan 11, 2016

Thank you for all the replies! I live in Idaho, so I feel like its limited here. Maybe some states around me? I will have to do more research, maybe things will change in the next few years. :)

I still love to hear all of your reasons to why you love the NICU though, makes me happy!

kalycat, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2016

Thank you for all the replies! I live in Idaho, so I feel like its limited here. Maybe some states around me? I will have to do more research, maybe things will change in the next few years. :)
I still love to hear all of your reasons to why you love the NICU though, makes me happy!

Hi! I may be in a neighboring State depending on where you are in ID. Not a NICU nurse but spent a lot of time there both in my previous career and as a nursing student. I do work in a hospital with a Level IV and keep in touch with many of the NICU peeps. BSN nurses are preferred here, but local ADN nurses seem to have no trouble hiring in to the hospital as a whole - if they're willing to start the BSN process right away. Our NICU seems to be willing to hire new grads, but it can be very difficult to get in - and seems to be hit or miss. I know they've hired new grads from outside the region site unseen, but some who have established connections seem to struggle to get hired.

Good luck! And consider volunteering if you're able. Feel free to PM me if you would like to talk geography or other specifics.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2016

Hello! Why do you love being a NICU nurse? How did you get in?
I would love to be a NICU nurse and plan to go to school this fall, but want to make sure its the right choice, it feels like a calling.. sounds silly I know... I was wondering what states/cities allow new graduates to start in the NICU.

Moved to our NICU forum.