How to Become an RN in the NICU
The field of nursing is expected to have better-than-average job growth from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Although job growth in hospitals is expected to be slower than in other sectors of the nursing industry, nurses who have specialized training in certain fields may have a leg up on the competition in securing jobs. Becoming a registered nurse that works in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be very challenging, but very rewarding. NICU nurses provide care to newborns in critical condition and with chronic diseases that affect them from birth.
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Instructions
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Complete your undergraduate nursing education. In order to become a registered nurse, you will have to complete either an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited college or university. An associate degree can gain you entry-level employment in the nursing field, but you are more likely to gain employment in specialized units like the NICU if you have a bachelor's degree and a broader foundation of knowledge in the nursing field. Most nursing school programs take about four years to complete and require you to complete a wide range of courses in science and nursing theory, while gaining hands-on experience.
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Pass the national licensing exam. The national licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN, will qualify you to become a licensed nurse in your state of residence. Some states require you to complete additional requirements beyond the national exam; check the website of your state board of nursing to learn any additional requirements.
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Obtain experience working as a pediatric nurse. Nurses who work in the NICU sometimes have to work in the pediatric ward to gain experience before moving on to the NICU. Volunteer to work in the NICU whenever additional help is needed. You can also gain experience in pediatric nursing by working for a pediatrician and volunteering or requesting to accompany her if she makes rounds at the local hospital.
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Pursue an advanced degree in nursing. While it is not required in order to work in the NICU, a master's degree in nursing can go far towards securing your place in the NICU. If possible, choose a school that offers master's degree specializations in either critical care nursing or pediatric nursing.
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Obtain certification as an NICU nurse. This step is often completed after you have been working as an NICU nurse. Certification indicates that you have met the highest standards possible as an NICU nurse. Certification as an NICU nurse can be obtained through the National Certification Corporation, which offers a certification exam for NICU nurses. To qualify for the exam, you have to be a licensed RN with 2,000 hours, or two years of experience, in NICU nursing.
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References
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