In the post-covid era, becoming a NICU nurse can be challenging. If you’re just starting out on your nursing journey, it can be daunting to know exactly where to begin. NICU nursing is an incredibly unique specialty, and many career guidance sites just don’t have the insight or understanding to help those just starting out.
Here, I’ve collaborated with top NICU nurses in the industry to develop 14 clear and effective tips to help you get started on the right foot. Whether you’re a nursing student looking for your first RN job or are experienced in the field, these tips can help you get an interview for your dream job. Let’s dive right in!
Hi! My name is Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. I have been a bedside NICU nurse for 9 years. Prior to writing this blog, I did A LOT of research. I have worked in Level III-IV NICUs in Children's hospitals, University hospitals, community settings etc. I have also been a staff, and travel nurse; working days & nights, full-time & per diem positions within the NICU. And I love being a NICU nurse.
How to Become a NICU Nurse: 14 Tips
Every NICU manager has their own unique preferences for the nurses that they’re looking to hire.
Trying to cater your portfolio to meet the expectations of each job can be stressful and time consuming, and if it’s not done efficiently, it can be disappointing and disheartening if you don’t end up getting the job. To avoid any unnecessary stress, we’ve compiled a list of strategies that can help you land any NICU nursing job, whether it’s a new graduate position or experienced hire role. These tips should empower you with the knowledge and skills to land that interview you’ve been hoping for!
14 NICU NURSE JOB HOT Tips!
1. Spend Time in the NICU Before Applying as an RN
Getting familiar with the NICU environment should be the first priority of anyone looking to get a NICU nurse job. This can be done a few different ways:
As A Volunteer: Many NICU units advertise volunteer opportunities, like “baby cuddler” or “family greeter”. Whether you’re an experienced RN or are new to the field, becoming a volunteer in a unit you’d like to work in can show a manager that you’re passionate about the NICU population and are willing to take the time and effort it requires to get comfortable on the unit.
This is also a great way for you to get a feel for the staff, and for them to grow to love you! When a job opportunity comes up and your application is the first one in, you’ll be fresh in their minds and an obvious first choice.
As An Unlicensed Assistant: If you’re still in nursing school but know starting out in the NICU is what you’d like to do, getting a job as a patient care tech, secretary, or unlicensed aide would show employers that you’re driven and motivated. It would also put you in the hospital’s employment record earlier, which could elevate your pay and streamline the process of transitioning into an RN position.
As A Shadowing RN: Some hospitals offer shadow opportunities for nurses interested in working in a specific unit. Sometimes these are offered to students, and other times they may be limited to nurses already working in another unit of the hospital. It never hurts to send the hiring manager an email, expressing your interest in seeing the unit! The worst that can happen is that they say “no” — even then, your name is still on their radar, and they know you’re really interested in a job!
2. Find a NICU Nurse Mentor:
Mentorship is one of the most underrated career building tools out there! If you’re looking to work in the NICU, finding a mentor that you can trust and ask questions to can be especially helpful when navigating the NICU world. Look for someone who serves as a role model for learning, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice, and helps you ask questions and reflect.
If you’re a nursing student, your university may have a mentorship program already in place that you could ask to join. If not, don’t hesitate to ask a clinical instructor or preceptor if they would be willing to mentor you — chances are, they’d be ecstatic and honored to guide you through the journey! Just be sure to repay the favor to a younger nursing student once you’re an experienced and confident NICU nurse yourself :)
3. Enroll in NICU Continuing Education Courses:
A surefire way to impress a hiring manager is to mention any NICU-specific CE courses you’ve taken to prepare you for the role. It not only proves your serious interest in the field, but also helps prepare you for clinical challenges ahead. If you’re still in nursing school, consider taking electives that could help boost your portfolio, like a genetics course or child development class.
4. Join Professional Nursing Organizations:
Becoming a member of a professional NICU nurse organization like AWHONN or NANN is not only a great way to get involved with other members of the NICU community, but it’s also a great resume booster. As a member of these organizations, you can stay up-to-date on the latest NICU nursing research, get involved with community activism, and meet other NICU nursing professionals who want to make a difference.
5. Spruce Up Your LinkedIn:
Healthcare isn’t necessarily one of those industries where keeping a thorough and active LinkedIn profile is required to land a job. However, it could increase your chances of becoming a top contender if your profile showcases some of your marketable strengths and lists commendations received from professors, managers, and coworkers.
It’s becoming more common for healthcare recruiters to browse LinkedIn when searching for job candidates — you never know, you might stand out to a NICU manager in your area. Again, it doesn’t hurt to put in a little extra effort here!
6. Get Certified:
The most common NICU certifications are the RNC-NIC and the CCRN (neonatal). These certifications require a certain amount of clinical experience and time on the job — meaning that those that have earned the certification are confident, competent, and motivated to learn.
Managers LOVE hiring certified nurses, and some facilities may even give you additional income if you come in as a certified NICU nurse.
Earning a NICU nurse certification is only possible for experienced nurses who have spent time working as an RN. However, if you’re a new nurse or are a student who’s interested in becoming certified, you should definitely mention in your interview that you’re looking to pursue this route. It shows that you’ve prepared, know the steps ahead, and are motivated to become a nursing leader on your unit!
7. Take On Leadership Roles
Showing that you’re a team player and leader will put you miles ahead of other candidates. If you’re already working as an RN, consider taking on a unit-based charge nurse, team leader, or EBP coordinator position. If you’re still a student, consider joining your nursing student association or spearheading your class’s social council. No leadership role is too small or insignificant — don’t be afraid to talk yourself up! Hiring managers love go-getters.
8. Stay Current On NICU World Happenings:
This may seem unnecessary, but familiarizing yourself with NICU-related news, legal changes, and care guideline updates can help you stand out. Whether it’s during a shadow day or during an interview, you never know what may come up in conversation — being prepared and in-the-know can show that you’re on your A-Game! Our nursing newsletter is chock full of resources that can keep you in the loop.
9. Keep an Organized List of Job Application Information:
For new graduates and experienced nurses alike, navigating the job market can be difficult if you don’t stay organized. When you’ve got multiple jobs you’re looking to apply for, I always find keeping a detailed spreadsheet of application deadlines, manager contacts, and interview dates to be helpful. That way, you’ll be able to prioritize applications that are due earlier and can easily find information you may need for each unit or facility.
10. Build Your NICU Network:
The more involved you get with the NICU community, the better chance you have of getting that job! Attending nursing conferences and community health events can help you enmesh yourself in a network of NICU professionals. You never know who you’ll meet out and about — it’s always the casual conversations that turn into something more exciting :)
11. Optimize Your Resume Content and Layout:
Here, we’re taking the job hunt back to basics. As you prepare for the application process, it’s the perfect time to ensure your resume is updated and accurate. Be sure to keep the document to one page, with a font that’s at least size 11 and easy to read.
List any credentials or certifications you may have, the degree you’ve earned, relevant career experience, and any professional organization involvement you may take part in. If you have room, listing relevant volunteer experience can also help your portfolio stand out.
If you need a bit more help, we’ve got some incredible resume templates and guidance for you — check them out here!
Cover Letter
References
Certifications (printed)
Registered Nurse License
Volunteer Experiences
Target your entire application to what they want!
HOT TIP – The job posting will usually tell you what they require/recommend. Their website will provide other keywords and phrases you can use that resonate with you.
WRITE OR EMAIL A THANK YOU TO THE INTERVIEWER AND MANAGER!
12. Craft a Well-Written Cover Letter “Template”:
A well-crafted cover letter has always been my secret to landing a job. This letter should be tailored to each job you’re applying for — however, this doesn’t mean you have to reinvent the wheel every time!
I’ve created a cover letter “template” that I use for every job application. I use that template and plug in facility specific details like:
The manager’s name, address, and contact information
The role title
The ways I embody the facility’s unique mission, vision, and values
Any connection I have to that particular position (mentor on the unit, student at their affiliated university, previous shadow experience, etc.)
Be sure to highlight the ways you behold important NICU nurse traits like compassion, critical thinking, effective communication, and attention to detail.
13. Prepare For Interviews Ahead of Time:
While it might seem like you’re counting your eggs before they hatch, it can be smart to get ready for the interview stage as soon as you start applying for jobs. It’s surely going to be a busy time for you, and you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute to get things in order. You can prepare by:
Acquiring a fun and professional “interview outfit”. First impressions are everything. I am a firm believer in looking sharp and showing that you’re ready to take on anything. Power suits are my jam! I invested in a tailored navy blue suit, which has been my go-to for all of my interviews since. If you’re expected to wear scrubs or other clinical attire, here are some professional options that may work well for you.
Drafting answers to commonly asked interview questions. While each interviewer is unique, there are some interview questions you’ll surely be asked. Knowing how to professionally respond to questions like “Tell me a bit about yourself?” and “Why are you interested in the NICU?” can help take some of the fear and anxiety out of the whole process.
Doing a bit of research on the unit. What acuity level is the NICU you’re looking to work in, and what patient population do they serve? What are the mission, vision, and values of the facility? Has the unit been awarded any certifications or accolades? These are the things you can research (and mention in an interview) to show that you’ve done your homework and are prepared for the role.
14. Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot:
Despite putting your best foot forward, some hiring managers aren’t able to consider candidates that don’t have a minimum of 2+ years of experience. While I believe that there’s a place in the NICU for everyone regardless of experience, you may find it easier to get a job in a pediatric unit to build your skill set and transfer to a NICU role once you’ve gotten a few years of experience under your belt.
Taking a pediatric float pool job is another great way to introduce yourself to the NICU world — it may even allow you to take shifts in the NICU while you develop your clinical skills.
Don’t see this move as a failure, or a permanent derailment from what you REALLY want to do. I promise — it’s a step in the right direction, and will be a step in your career you definitely won’t regret down the line.
Find More Resources to Boost Your Career
Getting a job in the NICU can seem challenging, but with the right resources and guidance, you can make the process a lot less stressful. We’ve got you covered, with tons of job prep materials, educational classes, and bedside tools to help you succeed. Find more at https://www.nicuity.com/.
If you are seeking a more "in-depth conversation" head over to check out my podcast! Episodes #1 #2 and #10 are all great resources for you to hear more details about being a NICU Nurse, NNP, and the working dynamics of a level IV NICU!
Another great resource for you BELOW. I was featured on The Morning Rounds and talked all things NICU Nursing. Dynamics, my personal journey, NICU Nurse Tips & Tricks!
NICU Nurse Essential Resources
March of Dimes! Resources for parents & providers
Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com
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