Hello! I’ve been a Covid/MedSurg nurse for almost 2 years, and I am extremely burnt out. I want to transfer to the NICU, but I was looking for any advice about how to make myself more hireable and how to get my foot in the door. Thank you!

I’d recommend getting your PALS, NRP, maybe lactation consultant if that’s your thing. You could also try to volunteer in a NICU? I am not a NICU nurse, but this is what my mom did to get into NICU a few years back. Good luck!

Thank you for working as a COVID nurse. That alone demonstrates your great courage and commitment to showing up during a crisis. You will, no doubt, make an excellent NICU nurse at some point. The concern is that you are burned out and you must avoid going from the frying pan into the fire. I would suggest that you seek employment, at least temporarily, in a new born nursery. What a joy it is to care for healthy infants and place them into the arms of their proud parents. With a 45 year career as a nurse and a NP behind me, one of the best pieces of advise that I received starting out was that the best way to identify significant pathology is to see as many "normal" patients as possible. Yes, it may not be as exciting but it is what you need right now. It will pay off bid time when you eventually seek opportunities in more acute care settings. Working in a nursery will also afford you the opportunity to reach out to the NICU team, and let them know that you admire and aspire to be one of them in the future.

As someone who recently made the switch from adult ICU to one of the best NICUs in the country, just apply. You have experience so that should help. Staffing is a problem everywhere and I’m sure the NICU you’re looking to apply in is no different. It might look more appealing if you have NRP first.

Try applying for the night shift 7p to 7a in NICU. Emphasize your careful details to correctly administering medications to your patients, if this is so, and also how much you really care for your patients no matter what age they are. You will train on days but after all orientation, you will start on the night shift. After a while you can transfer to day, but at least you got your foot in the door.

Just apply! It’s great that you have years of experience so normal nursing skills are known but to be honest, adults and nicu are vastly different! You’ll learn all you need to know in the unit. The unit will pay for your nrp which will give you a more in depth look at resuscitation. It is literally the best unit to work! There’s nothing like it. Most units need help so now is the time!

I would just apply. If you know the manager or someone who works there speak to them personally about your interest and if there’s an opening.

Start off with getting certifications like NRP ( neonatal resuscitation, STABLE, and PALS ask your current job if you can float to that department when your unit isn’t busy

My advice would be to find an available position in NICU and apply for it. During interview show your enthusiasm and tell them why NICU is where you would really like to work.
I have worked in NICU since I was right out of nursing school. I am now in my 60s. I enjoy helping not just the newborn, but also the entire family.
Being pleasant, dependable, learnable and safe is what makes you a desirable nurse.

Hi, it would be good to get certified in Neonatal Resuscitation. I personally don't think NICU will be less stressful. But, maybe starting something new, new co workers and a love of babies will help you feel better. I went into School Nursing after feeling burnt out and that has helped me recover. I'm even feeling ready to go back into critical care, hospital based nursing now. I wish you all the best!

After working on a COVID floor, what I Would suggest is to take some much-needed time off. Decide if you REALLY want to continue as a nurse. If you decide to start interviewing again, make sure you are ready. NICU will have you doing post mortem care more than any other floor. When I worked it, we also had to care for some abortions that didn't quite work because the fetuses still had a heartbeat. Since they are basically DNR, the only thing we could do was put them on warmers.
Make sure you are prepared . If you want to try again, work in ambulatory or pediatric allergy clinic. Just remember, your liability is high with peds so make sure you have your OWN malpractice insurance

First what is your background ??
If u r coming from the adult side see if they provide the opportunity to “ shadow”.
Good way to explore the environment .
Consider volunteer in NICU, some have cuddlers.
Look into getting certified in NRP.
NICU is definetly a different environment where u care for pt and family
Good luck
Let us know

I would recommend starting with a Newborn Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification and a STABLE course to start. Your skills as a med/surg nurse give you valuable organization and communication skills. Finally, look for positions with NICU training either within your organization or at another facility. Do you know anyone within the NICU specialty? They may be able to introduce you to the hiring manager. Best of luck!

I just graduated this past April from Nursing school ASN. A number of my cohorts were hired to NICU. They didn't have any experience (new grads). Covid has made it easier to go into specialties. My job offer after college is on the Medical Progressive Care Unit. You have great experience b/c of your medsurg. Go for it!!!

First

Nice dear, u really need a helping hand. I'm ready to help if given opportunity.