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What path do I need to take after getting my nursing degree in order to become a NICU Nurse? #Spring26
I am a high school senior planning on going to get my nursing degree and from there I don’t know what to do to get to the NICU department.
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1 answer
Gurpreet Lally
CareerVillage.org TeamSr. Community Manager at CareerVillage
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Austin, Texas
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Gurpreet’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Ava,
While I'm not a nurse, I did some research that might help you figure out what's next after getting your nursing degree!
1. Go to school to get your nursing degree; it sounds like this is already in progress. Depending on the state you want to practice in, you might have a better chance if you get your BSN versus ADN.
2. Pass your NCLEX to become a registered nurse
3. Get clinical experience (two years) in something related to working with children. Often times, NICUs only hire experienced nurses so aim for something in pediatrics, labor and delivery, etc.
4. Optional but would make you a stronger candidate: do specialized trainings such as Neonatal Resuscitation Program or Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Also not required but you can then get your RNC-NIC credential and become certified as a neonatal intensive case nurse.
To learn more, I'd recommend checking out this site: https://www.nurse.com/nursing-resources/how-to-guides/how-to-become-a-nicu-nurse/
While I'm not a nurse, I did some research that might help you figure out what's next after getting your nursing degree!
1. Go to school to get your nursing degree; it sounds like this is already in progress. Depending on the state you want to practice in, you might have a better chance if you get your BSN versus ADN.
2. Pass your NCLEX to become a registered nurse
3. Get clinical experience (two years) in something related to working with children. Often times, NICUs only hire experienced nurses so aim for something in pediatrics, labor and delivery, etc.
4. Optional but would make you a stronger candidate: do specialized trainings such as Neonatal Resuscitation Program or Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Also not required but you can then get your RNC-NIC credential and become certified as a neonatal intensive case nurse.
To learn more, I'd recommend checking out this site: https://www.nurse.com/nursing-resources/how-to-guides/how-to-become-a-nicu-nurse/