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How to become an nicu nurse?
Graduate high school first
Go to a college and take up that major
Get a 4year college degree
Go to nursing school
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5 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Before you can begin working as a NICU nurse Khalia, you must meet certain neonatal nurse requirements. These include earning your RN licensure and gaining relevant experience.
1) EARN A ADN OR BSN DEGREE
Earn a nursing degree. An associate degree in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing can qualify a student to take their state’s nursing licensure exam. Some NICU units prefer bachelor’s degree-holders for these positions.
2) TAKE THE NCLEX-RN EXAM
Secure a nursing license. After earning a degree, aspiring nurses need to pass the NCLEX-RN, which tests candidates in four specific areas of the profession. State licensure requires passing the NCLEX-RN.
3) GAIN EXPERIENCE
You cannot begin working as a NICU nurse without gaining relevant clinical experience. So, you must work for two or more years with neonatal patients before applying to take a certification exam for NICU nursing. After obtaining RN licensure, nurses need hands-on experience with critically ill infants. Employers may require up to two years of experience in a hospital with a NICU.
4) NICU CERTIFICATION EXAM
Although you don't necessarily need a neonatal nursing certification to work in a NICU, earning one will help with career advancement and qualify you for higher-level positions. Earn certification as a neonatal nurse. Several private organizations offer certifications relevant to neonatal nursing, including resuscitation, electronic fetal monitoring, neonatal pediatric transport, and advanced cardiovascular life support.
1) EARN A ADN OR BSN DEGREE
Earn a nursing degree. An associate degree in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing can qualify a student to take their state’s nursing licensure exam. Some NICU units prefer bachelor’s degree-holders for these positions.
2) TAKE THE NCLEX-RN EXAM
Secure a nursing license. After earning a degree, aspiring nurses need to pass the NCLEX-RN, which tests candidates in four specific areas of the profession. State licensure requires passing the NCLEX-RN.
3) GAIN EXPERIENCE
You cannot begin working as a NICU nurse without gaining relevant clinical experience. So, you must work for two or more years with neonatal patients before applying to take a certification exam for NICU nursing. After obtaining RN licensure, nurses need hands-on experience with critically ill infants. Employers may require up to two years of experience in a hospital with a NICU.
4) NICU CERTIFICATION EXAM
Although you don't necessarily need a neonatal nursing certification to work in a NICU, earning one will help with career advancement and qualify you for higher-level positions. Earn certification as a neonatal nurse. Several private organizations offer certifications relevant to neonatal nursing, including resuscitation, electronic fetal monitoring, neonatal pediatric transport, and advanced cardiovascular life support.
Thank you so much, Doc!
Berlinda
Updated
Amina’s Answer
Becoming a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse requires a combination of education, experience, and specialized training. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this career goal:
1. Complete High School
**Coursework:**
- Focus on science courses like biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
- Take math courses to build a strong foundation for future studies.
2. Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
**BSN Program:**
- Enroll in an accredited BSN program, which typically takes four years to complete.
- Courses will include subjects such as microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, psychology, and nursing ethics.
3. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
**Licensure:**
- After completing your BSN, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your RN license.
4. Gain Experience as a Registered Nurse (RN)
**Work Experience:**
- Start working as an RN, preferably in a setting that provides care for infants or in a general intensive care unit.
- Aim to gain at least 1-2 years of general nursing experience.
5. Pursue Specialized Training in Neonatal Care
**NICU Experience:**
- Apply for positions in a NICU to start gaining specific experience in neonatal care.
- Some hospitals may offer NICU internships or residency programs for new graduates interested in neonatal nursing.
6. Obtain Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification
**Certification:**
- Complete the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), which is required for all NICU nurses. This program focuses on the resuscitation of newborns and is offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
7. Consider Advanced Certifications
**Certifications:**
- **RNC-NIC (Registered Nurse Certified in Neonatal Intensive Care):** Offered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC), this certification demonstrates expertise in neonatal intensive care.
- **CCRN (Neonatal):** Offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), this certification is for critical care nurses specializing in neonatology.
8. Continue Education and Professional Development
**Continuing Education:**
- Stay current with the latest advancements in neonatal care through continuing education courses, workshops, and conferences.
- Consider joining professional organizations such as the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) for networking and educational opportunities.
By following these steps, you can build a rewarding career as a NICU nurse, providing specialized care to newborns in critical conditions.
1. Complete High School
**Coursework:**
- Focus on science courses like biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
- Take math courses to build a strong foundation for future studies.
2. Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
**BSN Program:**
- Enroll in an accredited BSN program, which typically takes four years to complete.
- Courses will include subjects such as microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, psychology, and nursing ethics.
3. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
**Licensure:**
- After completing your BSN, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your RN license.
4. Gain Experience as a Registered Nurse (RN)
**Work Experience:**
- Start working as an RN, preferably in a setting that provides care for infants or in a general intensive care unit.
- Aim to gain at least 1-2 years of general nursing experience.
5. Pursue Specialized Training in Neonatal Care
**NICU Experience:**
- Apply for positions in a NICU to start gaining specific experience in neonatal care.
- Some hospitals may offer NICU internships or residency programs for new graduates interested in neonatal nursing.
6. Obtain Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification
**Certification:**
- Complete the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), which is required for all NICU nurses. This program focuses on the resuscitation of newborns and is offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
7. Consider Advanced Certifications
**Certifications:**
- **RNC-NIC (Registered Nurse Certified in Neonatal Intensive Care):** Offered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC), this certification demonstrates expertise in neonatal intensive care.
- **CCRN (Neonatal):** Offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), this certification is for critical care nurses specializing in neonatology.
8. Continue Education and Professional Development
**Continuing Education:**
- Stay current with the latest advancements in neonatal care through continuing education courses, workshops, and conferences.
- Consider joining professional organizations such as the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) for networking and educational opportunities.
By following these steps, you can build a rewarding career as a NICU nurse, providing specialized care to newborns in critical conditions.
Updated
Maddie’s Answer
Hi Khalia!
I just graduated with my BSN. I am not a NICU nurse, but I will tell you what I’ve heard from experience and draw on some of my experiences as well :)
Graduate from high school. Take AP classes if you want, but that is 100% optional. Helpful AP classes would include AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Psychology, and AP Statistics. I did not take any of them, but I know of people who did, and they were exempt from some classes. You also do not need a 4.0 or be at the top of your class, but having a good GPA could matter for the next step. Volunteering (any kind is acceptable) and extracurriculars could also help you academically and socially. Nursing is a super social career, so any chance you can get to be social with people from all walks of life, whether working a retail job or volunteering with people from different backgrounds, is a HUGE plus.
Apply to colleges!! You can get your RN in 2-4 years. Your high school GPA could be a determining factor for a 4-year school but not as much for a community college. Make sure to watch the deadlines for application requirements to ensure you get everything submitted on time to be considered. I first went the community college (ADN) route and did not regret my decision. Community college is typically cheaper cost-wise, which is another aspect to consider. For pre-nursing classes, soak up all that information and try your best to get good grades because it counts towards the application, of course, but also, you’ll be referencing some of this stuff for the rest of your career, especially in nursing school. Try to continue those volunteer/work opportunities while in your pre-nursing era.
Do well in your nursing classes and clinicals :) It’ll be easier said and done sometimes, but you got this! Take time between study sessions and give yourself lots of grace. Nursing school is such a breathtaking yet stressful experience. Don’t get too wrapped up in studying 24/7. Try to make friends in your class because you need a village of friends and a robust support system. Also, just because you’re interested in NICU now does not mean you’ll end up there. Your mind could easily change, and there are SO many avenues you can go down in nursing itself. Reflect on your experiences after clinical every day, and keep a journal where you can write or type your reactions/feelings. I made a Google Doc highlighting my clinical experiences, which I review from time to time. Go to a nursing conference if able to, either through your state or the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA), where you can network with other students, professors, and professionals.
Pass the NCLEX-RN! This is where you show what you’ve learned in nursing school. It’s an adaptive exam, and how you study for it will probably change by the time you’re ready to take the test. After passing, apply to RN-BSN programs if you went the community college route. Most employers want their nurses to have their BSNs. These programs tend to be online with some in-person components. However, some are 100% online, and others are 100% in-person. I attended a primarily online program but had in-person sessions during my final year.
Apply for jobs, look for new grad residency programs near you, and possibly reach out to the hiring directors/nurse managers of the unit you’d like to work on. Once you get experience, apply + sit for your neonatal nurse board certification program. You need to work in the NICU or with babies for a certain number of hours before becoming board-eligible. Ask and look into getting your BLS/ACLS/PALS/NRP for resuscitation. Take continuing education classes relevant to the NICU and nursing in general. However, NICU nursing is a hot specialty, so it may be harder to get into as a new grad. If this happens, apply for a pediatric nursing job; you’ll still see babies, and one day, you may be able to transfer units :)
I just graduated with my BSN. I am not a NICU nurse, but I will tell you what I’ve heard from experience and draw on some of my experiences as well :)
Maddie recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Violaine’s Answer
Hello To become a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse, you'll need to follow these steps:
1. Education: Earn a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program, which typically takes two to four years. You can choose to pursue either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
2. Licensure: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed nurse. The requirements may vary by country or state, so ensure that you meet the specific criteria.
3. Experience: Gain experience in general nursing by working in a hospital or healthcare setting. This will help you build a foundation of clinical skills and knowledge.
4. Specialization: Obtain specialized knowledge and skills in neonatal nursing. This can be done through continuing education courses, certifications, or pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on neonatal care.
5. Certification: Consider obtaining the neonatal intensive care nursing certification (RNC-NIC) offered by the National Certification Corporation. While it is not always required, it demonstrates expertise in the field and can enhance your job prospects.
6. Apply for NICU Positions: Once you have the necessary qualifications, apply for NICU nurse positions in hospitals or specialty clinics. Networking with professionals in the field can also help you find job opportunities.
Remember, being a NICU nurse requires compassion, attention to detail, and the ability to handle emotionally challenging situations.
1. Education: Earn a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program, which typically takes two to four years. You can choose to pursue either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
2. Licensure: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed nurse. The requirements may vary by country or state, so ensure that you meet the specific criteria.
3. Experience: Gain experience in general nursing by working in a hospital or healthcare setting. This will help you build a foundation of clinical skills and knowledge.
4. Specialization: Obtain specialized knowledge and skills in neonatal nursing. This can be done through continuing education courses, certifications, or pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on neonatal care.
5. Certification: Consider obtaining the neonatal intensive care nursing certification (RNC-NIC) offered by the National Certification Corporation. While it is not always required, it demonstrates expertise in the field and can enhance your job prospects.
6. Apply for NICU Positions: Once you have the necessary qualifications, apply for NICU nurse positions in hospitals or specialty clinics. Networking with professionals in the field can also help you find job opportunities.
Remember, being a NICU nurse requires compassion, attention to detail, and the ability to handle emotionally challenging situations.
Updated
Bailey’s Answer
Look for opportunities in the NICU with your local hospital such as unit clerk, patient care tech, or even get your CNA. I highly recommend to network while going to school. You can go to a community college to get your nursing degree as well. Once you become a nurse you can apply for the NICU position. I know it is possible to work in the NICU as a new graduate but it helps if you already established a relationship with the unit prior to becoming a nurse.
Good luck!
Good luck!