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All of the best NICU nurse resources. These are the best tips, tricks, websites, CEUs, certifications, organizations, etc. to help you transition and add to your NICU nurse career. After almost a decade of NICU nursing, I have a lot of resources up my sleeve...and I want to bring them here to you! Let's dive in... LET'S START AT THE BEGINNING If you’re a neonatal nurse, you know that staying up-to-date on the latest evidence and research is not only necessary to renew your license, but is also essential to practicing safely and effectively. Those that have been in the NICU field for a while know that finding reliable educational materials and CEU courses can sometimes be as stressful as providing infant care.  Embarking on my social media journey , I realized that the new generation of NICU nurses is still struggling to find the resources I needed when I was just starting out over 10 years ago. Don’t worry — we’ve done the research and have found the high-quality learning materials we know you need.   NICU Nurse Resources By Category ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Here, we review top NICU nurse resources, including continuing education courses, conferences, books, podcasts, websites, and professional nursing organizations. This list is comprehensive and offers hundreds of opportunities to find the accurate and trustworthy information you need! Let’s dive in.  CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES: ♡ NICUity Academy Courses : Whether you enroll in our New Grad Miniclass, NICU Essentials Masterclass, or Experienced Nurse Crash Course, you’ll be learning from the best in the field while earning valuable CEUs. You can enroll in our comprehensive courses or if you prefer to read on your own time, you can stick to studying our electronic or hard copy materials. Either way, once you’re done, you’ll feel confident and prepared to face any work challenge! ♡ University MedEd : On this site, you’ll find short-form comprehensive medical education. As part of NICU University , Med On The Go is the new mobile-friendly platform delivering comprehensive pediatric nursing education in short videos. ♡ NCC Continuing Education : Here, you can find tons of CE courses in a number of NICU-related fields, including neonatology, women’s health, and obstetrics. You can also receive free CEUs in any core area for helping the NCC pretest questions for their certification exams! This is a super fun way to get involved with the NCC and make a difference in the lives of the next generation NICU nurses! ♡ Nurse.com Neonatal Continuing Education :  This site offers a variety of NICU CEUs and advertises courses like “Neonatal Life Support”, “Newborn Screening”, and “ELNEC Pediatric Curriculum”. For those who may be interested in other specialties as well, Nurse.com offers hundreds of contact hours for RNs, LPNs, and nurse practitioners in a variety of clinical settings.  ♡ NetCE Nationally Accredited Evidence-based CME :  NetCE offers nationally-accredited evidence-based CME/CEU/CE for a variety of healthcare professionals. For NICU specific education, we recommend their “Breastfeeding”, “Newborn Assessment”, and “Care of Families With Sick Newborns” courses.  ♡ Pediatrix Continuing Education : Here, you can find a variety of engaging courses and webinars, most of which are completely free! They also host live “Grand Rounds” webinars on the first Wednesday of every month from 1600-1700 ET! This is a great opportunity to network and learn with NICU providers from around the world.   ♡ Abbott Nutrition Health Institute : The mission of ANHI is to connect and empower individuals with science-based nutrition information to help improve health. They offer a variety of NICU-specific courses, reading materials, and training programs to help you better familiarize yourself with the most updated NICU nutrition research out there. NICU BOOKS : This list of hardcopy and e-book references is great for both new and experienced NICU nurses. Whether you like having the book with you at the bedside or prefer referencing information on your phone, there are plenty of books for you. You can find a more expansive list of my favorite clinical and career guidance books at my Amazon store .  ♡ The NICU Essentials Masterclass eBook : Our comprehensive 130 page e-book will provide you with all the necessary NICU knowledge from nursing school and resumes, to diagnosis and prematurity, to bedside skills, to cardiac defects, night shift tips, and much more! This e-book contains a mix of informational and interactive pages to guide you through your entire NICU journey. ♡ Merenstein & Gardner’s Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care : This is a thorough clinical review tool that can help you understand the more complex clinical concepts surrounding NICU nursing.  ♡ Peds Congenital Heart Education : This organization’s Illustrated Field Guide to Congenital Heart Disease and Repair is one of my favorite NICU resources on the market. It contains great pictures and explanations for some of the most common congenital heart diseases seen in the NICU- I highly recommend! ♡ Fast Facts for the Neonatal Nurse: A Nursing Orientation and Care Guide in a Nutshell : This is a great bedside reference tool for new NICU nurses and NICU nurse preceptors. The book provides an overview of care guidelines for a variety of NICU patient populations. In addition to skills checkoff lists, it also contains a quick-guide to lab values and commonly used medications. CHECK OUT OUR COMPLETE NICU E-BOOK COLLECTION ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ NICU CONFERENCES Looking to learn while growing your NICU network and community? Attending conferences is the perfect way to expand your knowledge, meet other NICU professionals, and travel to new parts of the world! Here are a few great conferences coming up: ♡ National Association of Neonatal Nurses : NAAN is hosting their 40th annual conference this year in Orlando, Florida! From September 18-20th 2024, you can attend workshops, seminars, and educational sessions, all of which are aimed to teach and inspire us NICU nurses!  ♡ American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition : From September 27-October 1st 2024, you can be one of over 10,000 pediatric health professionals to learn and grow at this conference held in Orlando, Florida. Listen to keynote speakers, network with other NICU nurses, and earn CEUs! ♡ National Neonatal Nurses Conference : Held September 4-7 in New Orleans, this conference is sure to be the perfect mix of learning and fun. Perinatal, NICU, and NICU NP professionals are all invited to attend.  NICU NURSE PODCASTS & BLOGS Academic materials are great, but sometimes you just want the cold, hard truth about NICU nursing and what it entails. Here, I’ve listed a few blogs and podcast episodes  for those that are looking to cut straight to the chase:  ♡ NICU Nurse 101 Blog: "What is NICU Nursing really like?" : This article should answer questions like “ What are the most common NICU diagnoses ?”, “What is a NICU nurse’s workflow?” and “What are the most important factors involved with infant assessment?”. If you’re looking to see whether NICU nursing is for you, I highly recommend checking this blog out.  ♡ Cellfie Podcast: Answering Your NICU Questions Roundtable with @thatnursetia : In this podcast episode, TikTok NICU RN Tia, a close friend of mine, gives her input on her favorite parts of NICU nursing, common NICU myths, and the biggest hurdles she’s faced on the job.  ♡ NICU Heroes Podcast by Hand To Hold : This podcast provides great bedside tips for NICU nurses, including how to best communicate with grieving parents, avoiding burnout, and guidance for supporting NICU dads. An extra perk is that listening to these episodes earn you CE hours! This is a great option for earning education hours on vacation or during your commute! NICU EDUCATIONAL WEBSITES Here, I’ve compiled a list of the top couple informational NICU websites that you can peruse or provide to families who are looking to learn more about NICU research , charity outreach, or community events: ♡ March of Dimes : The March of Dimes strives to close the health equity gap for all mothers and infants, through research, legislative action, and community education.  ♡ Nationwide Children’s NICU Resources : Nationwide houses an incredible reference section for NICU professionals and families. They provide an in-depth review of developmentally appropriate care, feeding guidelines, discharge planning resources, and more. PROFESSIONAL NICU NURSING ORGANIZATIONS Joining professional nursing organizations not only boosts your career portfolio, but can also help you network and learn more about cutting-edge devices, therapies, and treatments! By becoming a member of these groups and organizations, you’ll gain access to all the info you’ll need. Here are few of my favorites: ♡ National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NAAN) : NAAN is a professional nursing organization aimed at training and empowering NICU nurses across the United States. They provide 20 free online CEUs to members and allow access to their monthly newsletter and journal to read up on all the latest NICU news. You’ll also receive discounted rates on conferences and seminars — it’s a membership that’ll pay for itself and look good on your resume! ♡ Academy of Neonatal Nursing : Becoming a member of the ANN is a great way to network, learn, and grow as a NICU leader. Your membership fee provides discounts on conference attendance, certification review courses, and CEUs. ANN members looking to go back to school can even apply for one of their great scholarships! You should definitely check this one out.  ♡ The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics, and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN) : AWHONN prioritizes advocacy, education, research, and professional development. Their website is chock full of webinars, journals, and online courses to help you practice at your best.  Looking to Stay Current On the Latest NICU Happenings? At NICUity, we’ve got you covered with the nursing resources, educational materials, and work essentials to help you perform your best. By subscribing to our free email newsletter , you’d be the first to hear about any hot NICU news or new merchandise drops! For more info on all we have to offer, feel free to check out our site ! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ If you are seeking a more "In Depth Conversation" head over to the Podcast! "The Cellfie Show." EPISODE #2 & EPISODE #9 REVEALS all things NICU Nurse 101! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ 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 NICU Essentials Masterclass NICU Badge Reference Cards NICU E-Books - Instant Download American Academy of Pediatrics Academy of Neonatal Nursing Childhood & Adult Immunization CDC Guidelines March of Dimes! Resources for parents & providers Access 1,300+ Drugs with Easy-to-Understand Lactation Risk Categories National Association of Neonatal Nurses National Certification Corporation - NICU National certifications for experienced nurses NICU University & Peds University Vermont Oxford Network - 1,300 hospitals collaborating around the world! Tori Meskin has been a dedicated clinician since 2012, working in acute care and inpatient NICU settings in Southern California. She holds a National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) and has extensive experience as a travel NICU nurse. Tori is a sponsored MSN student at Capella University and a Brave Beginnings Ambassador. She recently launched NICUity, a company dedicated to empowering NICU professionals with education, bedside tools, and resources. Follow her journey as she navigates the NICU world, married life, and new motherhood, all while juggling work, school, and content creation. Discover her top-notch tips and tricks at www.tipsfromtori.com or contact her at tipsfromtorimanagement@gmail.com . Instagram @nurse.tori_

The neonatal intensive care unit, often abbreviated “NICU”, is an acute care hospital unit that provides comprehensive care  to newborns. A multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, and respiratory therapists work together to ensure positive outcomes for the infants in their care.  If you’re a nursing student or are a current RN looking to switch jobs , you may be wondering — What does a NICU nurse do, and what steps do I need to take to become a NICU RN? In this post, we provide an overview of the role, list key job duties of NICU nurses, and review the requirements necessary to get a job in the NICU.  What Is A NICU Nurse? Newborns are vulnerable and sensitive to their new environment outside of the womb, no matter how healthy they are. These infants may require attention from specialized nurses who have the training, skills & expertise to improve their outcomes and help them live safely at home. Typically, this infant care is provided in a hospital by labor & delivery nurses (nurses who help during birth) and postpartum nurses (nurses who care for the baby and mother after birth). However, some babies end up requiring additional care. Whether they’re born prematurely, experience birth trauma, are born with genetic diseases or become sick during the first few days of life, up to 10% of all hospital-born babies  end up requiring care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This is where NICU nurses come in!  A NICU nurse is a provider who specializes in the care of neonates  — the hospital term used to describe newborn babies. They provide comprehensive, 24/7 care and help the babies get to a place where their caregivers can take them home safely. Some NICU units provide newborn surgical care, while others may administer multiple IV medications and nutrition sources to help the infant grow and develop.  What Do the Different NICU Acuity Levels Mean? Not all NICU units provide the same degree of care. In the US, hospitals use a 4 level system  (with level I being the least acute, and level IV being the most advanced) to describe the complexity of their treatments and interventions. We outline these levels below: LEVEL I  - Also known as well-newborn nurseries, these units provide a basic level of newborn care to infants at low risk. They have the capabilities to perform neonatal resuscitation at every delivery and to evaluate and provide routine postnatal care of healthy newborn infants. In addition, they stabilize and care for near-term infants (35–37 weeks' gestation) who are stable and can stabilize newborn infants who are less than 35 weeks gestation until they can be transferred to a facility that’s able to provide specialized care. LEVEL II - These special care nurseries treat infants who are moderately ill with conditions that are expected to resolve in days to weeks. These patients are at moderate risk of serious complications related to immaturity, illness, and/or their management. In general, care in this setting should be limited to newborn infants who are more than 32 weeks gestational age and weigh more than 1500 g at birth or who are recovering from serious illness that has already been treated in a level III (subspecialty) NICU. Level II units are differentiated into 2 categories, IIA and IIB, on the basis of their ability to provide assisted ventilation. LEVEL IIA -  These units do NOT have the capabilities to provide assisted ventilation except on an interim basis until the infant can be transferred to a higher-level facility.  LEVEL IIB -  These units CAN provide mechanical ventilation for brief durations (less than 24 hours) or can provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). They must have the equipment (eg, portable chest radiograph, blood gas laboratory) and personnel (physicians, specialized nurses, respiratory therapists, radiology technicians, and laboratory technicians) available 24/7 to provide ongoing care and to address emergencies. LEVEL III - These NICU units are defined by having continuously available personnel and equipment to provide life support for as long as needed. Level III NICUs are differentiated by their ability to provide care to newborn infants with differing degrees of complexity and risk. Newborn infants with birth weight of more than 1000 g and gestational age of more than 28 weeks can be cared for in level III NICUs. These facilities have the capability to provide conventional mechanical ventilation for as long as needed but do not use more advanced respiratory support such as high-frequency ventilation. Other capabilities that may be available are minor surgical procedures such as central venous catheter placement or inguinal hernia repair. LEVEL IV REGIONAL NICU - These are the most advanced NICUs, most of which are located in children’s hospitals or academic medical centers. These units perform complex procedures like ECMO catheterization and surgical repair of serious congenital cardiac malformations. These units staff a full range of health care providers, including pediatric subspecialists and specialized nurses. They also employ state-of-the-art equipment to care for their babies.  Concentrating the care of infants with conditions that occur infrequently and require the highest level of intensive care allows these centers to develop the expertise needed to achieve optimal outcomes and avoids costly duplication of services in multiple institutions within close proximity. What are the Most Common NICU Nurse Job Duties? Each NICU will provide different treatments and interventions according to their acuity level. Despite the uniqueness of every unit, this list compiles some of the most frequently performed NICU RN job duties: NICU Nurse Job Duties: ♡ Perform thorough physical assessments ♡ Collect and document infant vital signs ♡ Assist with diagnostic imaging (CXR, ECHO, MRI, etc.) ♡Initiate IVs ♡ Complete lab draws  ♡ Assist during bedside procedures (intubations, extubations, bronchoscopies, central line placements, etc.) ♡ Manage central line care (sterile line changes, tube & cap changes, dressing changes, etc) ♡ Place feeding tubes (nasogastric and orogastric)  ♡ Prepare infants for surgery ♡ Provide post-op care after surgery ♡ Tend to surgical sites (tracheostomy, ostomy, chest tube, incisions, etc) ♡ Administer medications (IV, IM, oral, rectal, buccal, etc) ♡ Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to establish a plan of care ♡ Communicate changes in baby’s status in a timely and efficient manner ♡ Feed babies ♡ Bath babies ♡ Recommend support services (PT, OT, lactation consultant, etc.) when necessary ♡ Provide mothers with breastfeeding and pumping support ♡ Encourage patient and family centered care ♡ Educate and train parents on infant safety and newborn care guidelines ♡ Connect & provide resources for families looking for additional support ♡ Participate in NICU nursing research, evidence-based practice initiatives & quality improvement projects ♡ Precept new nurses ♡ Participate in hospital-wide collaborative teams and leadership groups Each NICU department is different, providing its own level of care to the patients needing treatment. This makes pursuing a career in the specialty fresh, fun, and exciting. The NICU nurse job market can be competitive, but there are a few things you can do to make yourself a competitive candidate . Let’s start by answering a few frequently asked questions.  What Degree Do You Need To Become a NICU Nurse? The minimum degree you’ll need to practice nursing in the United States is an associates degree in nursing (ADN). However, many facilities — including academic medical centers and large community hospitals — prefer or require a bachelors of science in nursing (BSN). If you’re looking to earn a spot in a competitive new graduate program , pursuing the BSN route will be your best option.  How Do You Get a Nursing License? To get an RN license in the United States, you’ll need to graduate from an accredited nursing program, pass the NCLEX examination, and apply for a nursing license in the state you’re looking to work in. Bear in mind that some states have unique requirements for state licensure, like specific academic coursework or safety training.  Are there Any Certifications Required to Become a NICU Nurse? The short answer is – no. Like most other nursing specialties, you’re qualified to work in the NICU as soon as you graduate nursing school and pass the NCLEX. Some facilities hire new graduates  without previous experience! However, once you have experience working at the bedside, earning a certification will certainly make you a more competitive and hireable candidate. Some hospitals will even pay you a shift differential or monthly bonus for holding a specialty certification. The two most common NICU nursing certifications are the RNC-NIC  and the CCRN (neonatal) . You’ll be qualified to sit for each of these certification exams after getting a few years of experience in the field.  Take the First Step In Pursuing the Career of Your Dreams If you’re a nursing student or recent graduate looking to start in the NICU, you have an exciting journey ahead! At NICUity, we’ve got you covered with a full array of NICU nurse educational materials  to prepare you for the role and nursing merchandise   to help you look the part! Visit us at www.nicuity.com   to see all we have to offer — we can’t wait for you to begin! 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, S ponsored 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 f

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 !   Resume Cover Letter References NICU Nurse Masterclass 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! THE CELLFIE SHOW. CLICK HERE. 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 American Academy of Pediatrics Academy of Neonatal Nursing Childhood & Adult Immunization CDC Guidelines March of Dimes! Resources for parents & providers Access 1,300+ Drugs with Easy-to-Understand Lactation Risk Categories National Association of Neonatal Nurses National Certification Corporation - NICU National certifications for experienced nurses NICU University & Peds University Vermont Oxford Network - 1,300 hospitals collaborating around the world! 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, S ponsored 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

TIPS FROM TORI BLOG ALL BLOGS EXCLUSIVE NURSE CONTENT NURSE BLOG TORI'S TIPS BEAUTY PRODUCTS HEALTH & FITNESS WEDDING Search ALL BLOGS What Does a NICU Nurse Do? A Career Guide 7 2 likes. Post not marked as liked 2 EXCLUSIVE NURSE CONTENT Hot Tips for Nurses Starting in the NICU! 8,486 14 likes. Post not marked as liked 14 EXCLUSIVE NURSE CONTENT 55 New Grad Nurse Tips! 3,585 16 likes. Post not marked as liked 16 EXCLUSIVE NURSE CONTENT How to Land Your Dream Job as a NICU Nurse: 14 Hot Tips 10,583 21 likes. Post not marked as liked 21 EXCLUSIVE NURSE CONTENT NICU Resources and CEUs Every Nurse Needs to Know About 9,402 24 likes. Post not marked as liked 24 EXCLUSIVE NURSE CONTENT 12 NURSE INTERVIEW TIPS & TRICKS! 7,309 23 likes. Post not marked as liked 23 EXCLUSIVE NURSE CONTENT NICU Nurse 101...What is the NICU REALLY LIKE? 7,180 20 likes. Post not marked as liked 20 ALL BLOGS Chic Moody Bathroom Upgrade 95 6 likes. Post not marked as liked 6 ALL BLOGS NICU Nurse Continuing Education 531 6 likes. Post not marked as liked 6 ALL BLOGS Baby Basics Blog 245 9 likes. Post not marked as liked 9 ALL BLOGS NICU Research Ideas & Topics to Consider 7,252 12 likes. Post not marked as liked 12 ALL BLOGS Best NICU Nurse Apps!! 1,078 9 likes. Post not marked as liked 9 TORI'S TIPS Stalk my Amazon Storefront 609 8 likes. Post not marked as liked 8 TORI'S TIPS NICU HOLY GRAIL OF PODCAST EPISODES 1,104 7 likes. Post not marked as liked 7 NURSE BLOG 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A NICU Nurse 2,885 13 likes. Post not marked as liked 13 TORI'S TIPS Branding & Social Media Tips & Tricks 186 9 likes. Post not marked as liked 9 PRODUCTS Holiday Healthcare Gift Guide 280 6 likes. Post not marked as liked 6 NURSE BLOG 11 Night Shift Nurse Survival Tips 6,823 15 likes. Post not marked as liked 15 TORI'S TIPS Summer Glow Up Must Haves! 148 7 likes. Post not marked as liked 7 TORI'S TIPS Love Me Some Bubbly, Bling Wash 647 8 likes. Post not marked as liked 8 TORI'S TIPS 10 Reasons Why You Need an Almond Cow 241 6 likes. Post not marked as liked 6 EXCLUSIVE NURSE CONTENT Nurse Portfolio 101 1,388 9 likes. Post not marked as liked 9 TORI'S TIPS Tori’s Top Tools for Glowing Skin 278 8 likes. Post not marked as liked 8 NURSE BLOG Top Female Medical Bloggers & Innovators 1,043 9 likes. Post not marked as liked 9

CELLFIE PODCAST EPISODES