As often as I can, I use my Instagram stories to ask my followers which nursing topics they would like to know more about. During my most recent poll, the #1 question asked was: “How can I increase my chances of being hired into the NICU as a new grad RN?”
This specialty is notoriously difficult to break into, but have no fear because NICU Nurse Natalie is here to tell you ALL THE THINGS that you need to know in order to become a more prepared, desirable, and competitive job candidate.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is NOT a nursery for healthy babies. We do not just sit around and “cuddle with babies all day.” These babies are SICK and are often too small to come out of their isolettes. They require a lot of complex medical care, attention to detail, and critical thinking. As NICU nurses, we are constantly assisting with intubations & extubations, monitoring vital signs every hour (sometimes every 15 minutes), redressing surgical incisions, performing sterile cap and line changes on central lines, completing medication calculations, titrating serious IV drips (fentanyl, morphine, versed, dopamine, insulin, milrinone, etc.), drawing our own labs, troubleshooting chest tubes, and SO. MUCH. MORE. Oftentimes there are not enough hours in your shift to complete all of your care tasks. The job of a NICU nurse is very demanding—physically, mentally, and emotionally. As I said before, this is not a daycare. This is an ICU. So please approach it as such. Clear as mud? ;)
However, the NICU is not a place of constant sadness and sorrow. I would say that it is happy at least 95% of the time. Initially, I thought I would be coming home from work every night crying myself to sleep, but boy was I wrong! It is nothing like that. Most of the time it is filled with little miracles and so much joy. ♥
NURSING STUDENTS, LISTEN UP!
While in nursing school, request to have your senior focus/preceptorship in a well-baby nursery, mother/baby unit, labor & delivery, or “ideally” the NICU. Also consider completing a capstone project involving the NICU and discuss it on your resume. Don’t worry, though, if you don’t have much pediatric experience or exposure during your clinicals; your NICU will provide on-the-job training.
Try to land a part time job as a nurses aide or student nurse tech in any of the units listed above or at a Children’s hospital. Some hospitals even offer nurse externship opportunities. If none of these jobs are available, consider looking for a job as a part time secretary in a NICU or as a milk prep tech. This will still allow you to build relationships with the NICU staff and increase your chances of being hired as a new grad RN.
During your clinical rotations, network with current NICU nurses and ask questions...perhaps shadow them for a day. This is your time to shine and to not only tell them that you’re interested but also PROVE to them that you’re capable. Come to your clinicals prepared and ready to ask questions.
Read books about the specialty. “Merenstein & Gardner’s Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care, 9th edition” is the latest edition of the gold standard classic book for those interested in learning about the NICU. It is a GREAT resource!
Research NICU New Grad programs (in Children's hospitals and Level IV NICUs). Search and apply to every NICU job that interests you in your chosen area.
As a resume booster, consider obtaining specialty certifications in NRP, PALS, BLS, ACLS, STABLE, etc. Although not required, a resume with specific certifications and educational courses will demonstrate your initiative and interest in neonatal nursing.
Join the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (and your local chapter) as a student member. When the interview committee sees this on a resume, it indicates that you are serious about neonatal nursing and really sets you apart from the rest of the candidates.
Reach out to hiring managers. If they are unable to talk, leave a message or send an email that highlights your name, contact info, intentions, and qualifications.
Check out LinkedIn and find nurse recruiters associated with the hospital(s) of your choice. Send them a message that’s short, sweet and to the point. For example: “Hi ___, my name is ___ and I recently applied to the ____ position at ___ hospital. I graduated from ____ and received my ____ degree. I am very much interested in this position, and I believe that I am a strong candidate/the perfect fit for the job. I would love the opportunity to chat with you further to discuss my application! Please do not hesitate to contact me at ______. This technique has worked for many people that I know, and hopefully it works for you, too!
Last but not least, during your interview when the panel asks you why do you want to work in the NICU, please, please, please, do NOT say: “Because I love babies and just want to hold them all day!” I cannot tell you how big of a red flag this is. One of my favorite things about my current role is assisting with interviews in my NICU. I love sitting in and asking potential candidates questions. Remember, you are interviewing the committee just as much as they are interviewing you. Ask for a tour of the unit. Ask questions about things that are important to you, your happiness, and your work/life balance. Do they offer free CEU opportunities? How about tuition reimbursement? Do they encourage research? What is the culture on the unit? It’s not just about what you can offer them, but also what can the hospital offer you? For a list of common NICU interview questions that we typically ask, click here!
Visit my Amazon Storefront to purchase some (or all) of my favorite book recommendations as well as some other helpful resources for aspiring NICU nurses! Good luck, superstar! I hope these tips help you to land your dream job as a NICU RN!