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What are the steps to becoming a registered NICU nurse and how long does it take?
Im trying to find a good career for me and know that I would love to work with babies such as a NICU nurse and I just want to know what steps are needed to get there. #nursing #registered-nurses #healthcare #nurse #NICU
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Sarah’s Answer
Hi there! Nurse here.
Nursing school is often 2 years long (to obtain ADN) but you will need to complete prerequisites and apply to a program first. During nursing school you have a variety of clinicals so you will get exposure to many different fields!
After you graduate and take the NCLEX, you can get started in the NICU right away. Many large hospital systems have "nurse residency" programs which are 2 years long and are unique to a speciality. There are often OB or NICU residencies offered however NICU can be difficult to get into as a new graduate (just based off lack of NICU residency offerings). But if offered, you can apply (and if selected) being a a fresh new graduate!
NICU certification happens further down the line and is not a requirement at the beginning.
Nursing school is often 2 years long (to obtain ADN) but you will need to complete prerequisites and apply to a program first. During nursing school you have a variety of clinicals so you will get exposure to many different fields!
After you graduate and take the NCLEX, you can get started in the NICU right away. Many large hospital systems have "nurse residency" programs which are 2 years long and are unique to a speciality. There are often OB or NICU residencies offered however NICU can be difficult to get into as a new graduate (just based off lack of NICU residency offerings). But if offered, you can apply (and if selected) being a a fresh new graduate!
NICU certification happens further down the line and is not a requirement at the beginning.
Thank you!
Rosemary
Updated
ELEXUS’s Answer
Hello Rosemary,
First you would have to obtain a Degree in Nursing, next you would have to pass the NCLEX exam, and then you would want to have some experience working in a neonatal facility. Finally you would take the Neonatal certification exam and become a certified neonatal nurse. If you go to a college it should take about 4 years to get a bachelors in nursing. I'm not sure how long nursing clinical are, so I would say about 4 to 5 years to become a NICU nurse.
First you would have to obtain a Degree in Nursing, next you would have to pass the NCLEX exam, and then you would want to have some experience working in a neonatal facility. Finally you would take the Neonatal certification exam and become a certified neonatal nurse. If you go to a college it should take about 4 years to get a bachelors in nursing. I'm not sure how long nursing clinical are, so I would say about 4 to 5 years to become a NICU nurse.
Thank you so much!
Rosemary