What are some recommendations for new grad nurses who want to start in the NICU? I have graduated and passed NCLEX but am really struggling to find a new grad NICU position.
Personally I think if you know NICU is where you’ll always want to be then there’s no reason you shouldn’t start there! My first position as a new hard was in the Pediatric float pool in and NYC hospital working pediatrics, PICU and NICU and was honestly just a lucky shot since I initially interviewed for Peds but the meeting with the manager went well and she knew I had a great passion for getting into NICU! After 2 years I transitioned to NICU full time taking care of the more critical patients and have been doing so for almost 3 years now. The beginning is definitely challenging- I used to make a list of meds and procedures every week of my orientation to study and look up since a lot of the info is not what you see in nursing school and often time meds are used for different reasons in neonates vs adults! But it’s definitely doable and my best advice would be to start in a level II NICU first and then move up from there if you want to improve your knowledge and skill set and time management before getting the really critical babies! Also talk to your pediatric and maternity clinical instructors to see if they have connections with NICU nurses to shadow or get a residency program with! Best of luck to you! :)
I think it’s far too dangerous for any new grad to go to icu or critical area anywhere. I have been a telemetry RN for 13 years new grads barely know what they are doing. Ask yourself this. If you take your mother, father, child or baby to the ER and they are critical. Would you want a nurse to be taking care of them making decisions and relying on their non existent experience with assessment to notice any Subtle changes in Condition to act appropriately in a timely manner? I have seen them miss so many important things because they focus on tasks and are not very adept at paying attention to the patient’s condition as much because they don’t know what they are looking for. That comes with time. I doubt anyone wants a new grad with less than one year of experience taking care of their lives one in critical condition. If you still are so confident that you should be allowed to go straight into NICU with no hospital experience as an RN then go to a state in the south or somewhere isolated and they will hire you there I’m sure. Which says a lot I think about where we are in nursing. They should be making it illegal for new grads to be uncritical care. It’s not appropriate and not safe but because hospitals are desperate we as nurses can take advantage of that and get the job we want if we are willing to relocate
Any position as a new nurse will have challenges, and no "one" unit will ensure you won't have a patient that can decompensate quickly. As a new grad, you have spent several years learning just the basics - and no matter where you take your first job - you will continue to learn - focusing on whatever area you are in. I started as a new grad in a level III NICU. It was intense but orientation was 3 months. You are never alone, and depending on the size of the unit - you will have many resources. Nursing is a career of learning, you never stop -
You will be great as a NICU RN - follow your heart ! Good luck to you and don't mind the "nay sayers"!
Hi,
I am glad you feel you are called to NICU, but if I were you, I would start on ER or Med/Surg first. This helps you to be comfortable with strengthening your skills and evolving within the hospital culture. Most good RNs start with a strong foundation and work their way up. Take your time and let yourself evolve into a good nurse who exemplifies, patience, compassion, reliability, and who loves people.
Believe me, once you start working with other RNs, you will know the good from the not-so-good. Lastly, remember these are people's lives that we are dealing with so good bedside manner is also appreciated. Be blessed new grad...I am :) .....You got this!
You should learn to take care of non-critical babies before critical. L&D / mother and baby. Even pediatrics. Your margin for error on NICU babies is tiny. They are the most fragile patient you could take care of, and new grads have no idea how to take care of any patients. NCLEX and nursing school is not the real world. I don't say this to be harsh or discourage you, only to highlight the seriousness of the situation.
Well in my opinion...take a peds position first...Working in a NICU is specialized area of assignment. Your chance would be better with some basic nursing with children before you specialize.
Take a position on the pediatric unit to get eT a job on the pediatric unit to get some experience. NICU is very complex and starting in peds will give you a foundation to use when you move to critical care.
It should be difficult to find a new grad NICU job The frailest patients deserve more than a nurse with no experience.
Well, honestly, I've been in nurse for over 30 years. And I don't think a new grad is going to get a position in the Nick. You so you might as well just give up that idea. What you need to do is to get into some area where you will get lots of experience and skill sets and Probably in the pediatric arena.. No nurse manager in their right mind would hire a graduate student. Right into the NICU you that's a recipe for disaster Do your due diligence internet area where you can get lots of experience around pediatric patients? Ventilator patient's , et cetera. And then
work your way into a possible NICU position.stick with pediatrics if that's your goal.And eventually you'll gave the skills to help save lives.
in pe.
Check with hospitals in your community. Many have nurse residency programs for new grads. I started in NICU as a nurse graduate. Many hospitals prefer to “grow their own” ! Good luck ! 😊
If you want NICU GO FOR IT!!!! Do extra CEU courses on NICU BABIES and put that on your resume and show them how much you are willing to learn and want this. DONT GIVE UP IN A DREAM EVER . Maybe get a letter of recommendation from one of your professors also.
Here are some recommendations to help you in your pursuit of a new grad NICU position:
Gain relevant experience: If you haven't already, consider gaining experience in areas closely related to the NICU, such as pediatric units, neonatal care units, or maternity wards. Any experience working with newborns and infants will be valuable and can increase your chances of getting into the NICU later.
2. Network and make connections: Attend nursing job fairs, conferences, or events focused on neonatal care. Connect with nurse managers and recruiters from NICUs, and express your interest in starting your nursing career in the NICU. Networking can open doors and provide valuable insights into available positions.
3. Volunteer or do an internship: Look for opportunities to volunteer in neonatal care settings or apply for NICU internships. Even if these positions are unpaid, they can provide you with hands-on experience and demonstrate your commitment to neonatal nursing.
4. Tailor your resume and cover letter: Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight any relevant experiences, coursework, or clinical rotations related to neonatal care. Emphasize your passion for working with newborns and infants and your willingness to learn and grow in the NICU setting.
5. Be persistent and open to relocation: New grad NICU positions might be competitive and limited in certain locations. Consider expanding your job search to other cities or states, where there might be more opportunities for entry-level NICU positions.
6. Certifications and continuing education: Consider pursuing certifications related to neonatal nursing, such as the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification. Additionally, continue your education through online courses or workshops to enhance your knowledge and skills in neonatal care.
7. Shadow experienced NICU nurses: If possible, try to shadow experienced NICU nurses to gain insights into the daily responsibilities and challenges of working in the NICU. This can also demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to this specialized field.
8. Be flexible with shifts: New grad nurses may have a better chance of finding NICU positions if they are open to working different shifts, including nights and weekends. Flexibility can make you more appealing to employers.
For more, follow me on my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yube-mamo-60267b151/
Hi! So exciting that you want to start in the NICU! I used to work at a children’s hospital where my unit took some sick newborns. Super challenging but rewarding! I would first say that make sure you are searching with the right key words. New grad positions are sometimes called “RN Residency”. Alternatively, more positions may pop up if you type “Entry level NICU nursing jobs” versus “new grad”.
If you did NICU during your capstone and they don’t have any positions open, reach out to your preceptor to ask if they have any other NICU colleagues in the area you can speak to. Many hospitals have student nurse internships that usually lead to nurse positions. I would advise you reach out to any classmates who may have interned at the hospital you want to work at to see if they can connect you to their NICU. I can’t speak for all hospitals but the ones I worked for took mostly referral applicants. So use your network to your advantage! If that still doesn’t land you a job, then I echo what others have said and try to get a job in other areas first. Peds, L & D, and mother baby would be great places to start. Good luck!
I was always told, “You have to start out in med/Surg as a new grad.” I wholeheartedly disagree! I wanted to work ER. So I held out a couple of months until one day I got a call. The caller had heard of my dilemma and after interviewing me and checking my references. I got the job! If you’re dead set about working NICU, nothing else will fill that void. Go for it!
You’ll be great at your new job!
Mark Nichols, RN, BSN
New grads need to work Med surg for a time. It is the bases of all you will do. Or if your institution has a peds floor with and inter program. NICU is highly specialized and it takes time to get there. But it takes time and learning that will make you the best person for the role. Good luck.
I began in NICU right after graduation, even before I passed my boards. A great preceptor will help you learn what you need to be a top nurse. Keep looking you will find that position! Don't be swayed to go to a department you don't want to.
Starting in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as a new grad nurse can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of landing a position and succeeding in this specialized area of nursing. Here are some recommendations for new grad nurses who want to start in the NICU:
Gain relevant experience: If you're having difficulty finding a new grad NICU position, consider gaining experience in related areas such as pediatric nursing or obstetrics. Working with infants and children in these settings can help you build essential skills and knowledge that will be valuable in the NICU.
Obtain certifications: Look for certifications that can enhance your qualifications as a NICU nurse, such as Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification. Having these certifications demonstrates your commitment to the specialty and can make you a more attractive candidate.
Networking: Attend nursing conferences, workshops, and events focused on neonatal care. These gatherings provide excellent opportunities to network with NICU nurses, nurse managers, and recruiters. Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to NICU nursing to connect with professionals in the field.
Tailor your resume and cover letter: Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight any relevant experiences, certifications, and coursework. Emphasize your passion for neonatal nursing and your desire to work in the NICU.
Apply to internships or residency programs: Some hospitals offer specialized NICU internships or residency programs for new grad nurses. These programs provide additional training and support, increasing your chances of getting hired in the NICU.
Volunteer or shadow in the NICU: If possible, inquire about volunteer opportunities in the NICU or shadowing experiences. This will allow you to observe NICU nurses in action and show your dedication to the specialty.
Be flexible with location: Consider widening your job search to include different locations, as some regions may have more job openings in NICU than others. Be open to relocation if it aligns with your career goals.
Build a strong interview presence: Prepare for NICU-specific interview questions and practice your responses. Show your enthusiasm for neonatal nursing during the interview and convey how your skills and passion make you a great fit for the unit.
Seek mentorship: If you know any experienced NICU nurses or professors with NICU experience, seek their guidance and mentorship. Their insights and recommendations can be invaluable during your job search.
Be persistent and patient: Landing a new grad NICU position may take time and persistence. Keep applying, stay positive, and remain patient throughout the process.
Remember, the NICU is a highly specialized area of nursing, and employers often look for candidates with a strong commitment to neonatal care and relevant experience. By following these recommendations, you can increase your chances of securing a new grad NICU position and starting a rewarding career in neonatal nursing.
Do not be afraid to master newborn nursing before venturing into NICU. You have to master what is normal newborn behavior before you can know what is abnormal. With that experience behind you, you'll be more valuable in the NICU setting.
As a former NICU nurse, I worked with new grads. They had to do a 1 year "residency program" which,to me, was akin to another year of school, but you got paid.... All that to say, new grad programs exist. If you're passion is peds/NICU chase it, though that may take you places you hadn't considered. You may have to look out of state. Go with your heart. I know Colorado children's in Colorado springs and Denver hire NICU new grads
I started in Nursery as a new grad in 1982, and in due time, was doing charge on the night shift. Probably half way through the year, they asked me to come to NICU. I followed a preceptor on days until they felt I was ready to be on my own. By the end of my first year I was doing charge on nights, before I moved out of state. You may need a transition from Nursery to NICU to get the feeling of nursing before the intense stuff. BTW, it was a large teaching hospital that I got my first start.
Best of luck!
you may want to apply at a teaching hospital as a new grad; intensive care units are more rigorous in general and depending on the acuity of your prenatal patients you can have a challenging NICU experience.
I
Congratulations on graduating! NICU is hard to get into because we love our little patients, we don't leave. I've been in NICU for 20 years. Our turnaround is lower than every other department. Now our nurses are retiring, and we have more openings. No school doesn't prepare you for NICU unless you had an externship. We also only take 1-2 new grads each semester for our new grad program. A children's hospital would give you great experience. A birth hospital limits you to the one unit. I'm not sure I've ever met a nurse who started in NICU and is still NICU years later. I started in peds and then nursery. Some nurses started in the adult world. Sometimes you just need to get your foot in the door. There's lots of good advice on this board.
hjgdghfhjfhgdsrghfuhuvfgdgbrdhgvfdhfgvhfdsgbjdfstiuhgjghdjgrugtre
dont give up, apply everywhere, even in out of the way areas maybe an hour away. make sure u have at least some basic knowledge about the position, express that its your passion and u will be 1 of the best theyv had. emphasize that ur detailed oriented and organized. join an nicu fb group. utilize every connection that u have, people that work there, people that know people that work there, etc
It’s amazing how many nurses think this is a safe thing. I saw patients die right in front of me with nurses and doctors who were inexperienced and didn’t respond fast enough because they were all new themselves. I saw a patient die once while I was in orientation with a charge nurse, my preceptor, the hospitalist, and a surgeon with two residents in the room as well, and the patient was in septic shock, mind you no one knew this at the time they couldn’t figure out what was wrong. The man had gone to work that day and an LPN/LVN who had worked in this cardiac step down for 20 years in the same place was the only one who knew he was about to code and she tried to tell them what was going on and it was too late he died as he was finally being transferred to icu. This was at a 500 bed level one trauma center in cardiac step down. His death was considered a sentinel event the next day by the hospital. The only person who responded fast enough was the least educated yet most experienced person on the room. How dare nurses think 2 years of a nursing program is enough to prepare them for what they will be responsible for. Some of those programs spend an entire semester in OB and peds and one in psych like what a waste of a chance to learn we spent two weeks in those rotations and the almost all time was spent in tele and med surg and being in the top of my class still didn’t prepare me for the things I saw happen around me. These are peoples lives. Your education and your dreams need to come second. And the nurse who says after one year they are better for having gone straight to icu is laughable. One year okay how do you know you’re better for it. I think a nurse with two years in med surg or tele who went to icu will be way better off to be capable to take care of their patients. There is a reason the age old recommendation is to start in med surg and it’s because it’s safer. Jesus these are peoples lives not your dreams of your career that are important. Unbelievable.
No i have nursing diploma degree. I work blood banks
Oh boy
Try to get in to novice nurse programs
Get your NRP
Volunteer
If you were at the top of your class, NICU, although extremely challenging, would be doable, but only if there is a residency program that you can participate in. NICU is a huge responsibility. Not only are you caring for the neonate but also you will be caring for the concerned parents of the neonate. It can be challenging for even the most experienced NICU nurse. Again - doable but only with an award winning residency program AND an outstanding unit orientation program with an assigned preceptor and APRN. These combined will set you up for success. I am not sure where you are located but your can complete an internet search for new grad residency NICU programs. As a new grad 50 years ago, I went directly into an adult ICU. It certainly was challenging and required a lot of personal time to studying. I have no regrets and have had a very successful and rewarding nursing career. Best of luck. I'll be praying for you. And welcome to the profession of nursing.
Your drive and determination for what you want is admirable, but there are multiple ways of getting into NICU. Starting as a novice nurse in nicu is rare, esp if it’s a Level 3 or 4 NICU. You can accomplish your nicu goal seamlessly by starting in an adult intermediate care, pediatrics or post-partum/nursery to gain basic skills, knowledge and to develop your critical thinking, delegation and prioritization skills and then transfer to NICU once there’s an opening in a year or two. Your nursing career will be more robust & less single focused by adding any those experiences along with nicu experience. To put it in perspective, think about the parents or the organizations liability having an inexperienced novice nurse with critically ill infants in their care. That’s why its difficult to get into.
Hi,new grad should work ER,Med,surg,ped for more then 2 yrs,after that can transfer to ICU,first regular floors,then critical
Take
Working in a well-baby nursery or mother baby unit will give you a good foundation in normal baby care. Easier to transfer to NICU. Good luck.
If it’s your dream to work in NICU than you should be concerned enough about your need for some basic RN acute care experience. Because why on earth would you think as a new grad you were ready for such a huge responsibility to these critical babies? I graduated at the top of my class and have been a clinical instructor as well. Nurses who are overconfident are the scariest to work with. Humble yourself and work in a safer setting for at least a year or two then work your way to NICU. You have the rest of your life to work. Have patience. You should be concerned about your own abilities but that doesn’t seem to dawn on you that you might inadvertently do something dangerous. That’s a red flag to me. I’m not saying don’t go for your dreams I’m saying realize it may take more work to accomplish them then what the basic requirements are and if you are so worried about infants in critical care then why would you put them at a higher risk. Sounds selfish to me.
