2 answers
Ava
Student
Shipman, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
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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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2 answers
Gurpreet Lally
CareerVillage.org TeamSr. Community Manager at CareerVillage
159
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
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/
JOLAYEMI IFEOLUWA
6
Answers
Osogbo, Osun, Nigeria
Updated
JOLAYEMI’s Answer
Hi Ava,
1. Graduate + get your RN license Finish your ADN or BSN program by Spring 2026 Pass the NCLEX-RN. Can’t touch a NICU baby without an active RN license. Apply for licensure in the state you want to work2. Apply to NICU jobs as a new grad — yes, it’s possible
This is the biggest myth: “you need 2 years med-surg first.” Not for NICU. Look for “New Grad NICU Residency” programs: Big children’s hospitals run these every Spring/Fall. They’re 12-16 weeks of paid training + classroom + preceptorship. Hospitals that hire new grads: Level III and Level IV NICUs at teaching hospitals/children’s hospitals. Start searching Jan 2026 for Spring 2026 cohorts. Keywords to search: “NICU new grad”, “RN residency NICU”, “nurse fellow NICU”If you can’t land NICU right away:
Do 6-12 months in postpartum, pediatrics, or PICU. You’ll learn newborn assessment + family care, which transfers directly. Then transfer internally — way easier than external hire.3. Get NICU-specific training once hired
Your hospital will train you, but you’ll cover: NRP: Neonatal Resuscitation Program — required in 99% of NICUs before you touch babies STABLE: For transporting sick newborns Ventilators, IVs in 1-lb babies, central lines, preemie feedingExpect 3-6 months orientation minimum. NICU is not a “learn in 2 weeks” unit.4. Level up with certifications after 1-2 years
Not required to start, but helps with pay/jobs: RNC-NIC: Certification for NICU nurses. Need 2000 hours = ∼1 year full-time CCRN-Neonatal: For Level III/IV NICUs with critical babies
1. Graduate + get your RN license Finish your ADN or BSN program by Spring 2026 Pass the NCLEX-RN. Can’t touch a NICU baby without an active RN license. Apply for licensure in the state you want to work2. Apply to NICU jobs as a new grad — yes, it’s possible
This is the biggest myth: “you need 2 years med-surg first.” Not for NICU. Look for “New Grad NICU Residency” programs: Big children’s hospitals run these every Spring/Fall. They’re 12-16 weeks of paid training + classroom + preceptorship. Hospitals that hire new grads: Level III and Level IV NICUs at teaching hospitals/children’s hospitals. Start searching Jan 2026 for Spring 2026 cohorts. Keywords to search: “NICU new grad”, “RN residency NICU”, “nurse fellow NICU”If you can’t land NICU right away:
Do 6-12 months in postpartum, pediatrics, or PICU. You’ll learn newborn assessment + family care, which transfers directly. Then transfer internally — way easier than external hire.3. Get NICU-specific training once hired
Your hospital will train you, but you’ll cover: NRP: Neonatal Resuscitation Program — required in 99% of NICUs before you touch babies STABLE: For transporting sick newborns Ventilators, IVs in 1-lb babies, central lines, preemie feedingExpect 3-6 months orientation minimum. NICU is not a “learn in 2 weeks” unit.4. Level up with certifications after 1-2 years
Not required to start, but helps with pay/jobs: RNC-NIC: Certification for NICU nurses. Need 2000 hours = ∼1 year full-time CCRN-Neonatal: For Level III/IV NICUs with critical babies