4 answers
Samantha
Student
Monterey, California
5
Questions
Asked
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What were the steps that you took in order to get to that job? How long did your training/schooling take?
9th grade, How long did it take to get a job in pedriatic and neonatal care.
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4 answers
Marie Enos MSN, BSN, RN-NIC
RN
71
Answers
Huntsville, Alabama
Updated
Marie’s Answer
I have been a Neonatal Intensive care nurse for 30+ years. I went straight into the unit after graduation. I never worked med/surg. I, like you, knew were I wanted to before going to school.
In high school if you are an AP student look into Duel enrollment in your community colleges. Duel enrollment gives you college credit while learning whatyou need forhigh school. If started early enough some students can achieve college degree with high school graduation.
Next you need to decide if you are going to attend a 2 year or 4 year program. Regardless of which approach you decide on you can sit for national NCLEX exam. It is correct that some hospitals prefer a BSN degrees, but if you explain that you are going to continue your education. You can and will be considered for employment.
Most large hospitals have didactic and nursing programs when you enter into a working contract. The contract is usually 2 year because they are giving you so much training.
Once you start caring for your little angel you will start with the more stable ones working into critical one. The unit will be scary at first but you will adjust. It is a wonderful place to work just remember to take care of yourself.
If you want to start working as soon as possible, take the associate degree path.
Look into Duel enrollment at local colleges
Decide on 2 year or 4 year degree path
Apply to larger hospitals to get adequate training
Try not to get overwhelmed
Find a strong mentor to help in this amazing journey
In high school if you are an AP student look into Duel enrollment in your community colleges. Duel enrollment gives you college credit while learning whatyou need forhigh school. If started early enough some students can achieve college degree with high school graduation.
Next you need to decide if you are going to attend a 2 year or 4 year program. Regardless of which approach you decide on you can sit for national NCLEX exam. It is correct that some hospitals prefer a BSN degrees, but if you explain that you are going to continue your education. You can and will be considered for employment.
Most large hospitals have didactic and nursing programs when you enter into a working contract. The contract is usually 2 year because they are giving you so much training.
Once you start caring for your little angel you will start with the more stable ones working into critical one. The unit will be scary at first but you will adjust. It is a wonderful place to work just remember to take care of yourself.
If you want to start working as soon as possible, take the associate degree path.
Marie recommends the following next steps:
thank you so much!
Samantha
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
158
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hi Samantha! It's fantastic that you're reaching out for guidance on your career journey! Cristina has shared an inspiring story that demonstrates the importance of having a clear plan for your chosen field. You're on the right track, Samantha, by learning from different backgrounds and disciplines to gain various perspectives!
Embarking on a career journey at a young age can be a powerful way to ensure you're making the most of your time, effort, and resources. In my own experience, it is wise to list down your top career interests and explore further their potential opportunities. With this approach, you'll be well on your way to discovering a fulfilling lifelong career.
When I was on my junior high school, evaluating and choosing my top 3 college degree interests (BS Psychology, BS Nursing, and AB Political Science) showed that considering potential job opportunities and personal passion is crucial. By selecting BS Psychology, I found a wide array of exciting opportunities that allowed me to thrive in various settings and help people.
Remember, obtaining proper licenses and education is essential to be competitive and to access better opportunities within your chosen field. Pursuing advanced degrees can lead to significant growth and promotions in your career. Working in different settings and continually learning can help you discover your true passion and set the foundation for a successful lifelong career.
Keep up the great work, Samantha! Your enthusiasm and proactive approach are truly commendable. The future holds endless possibilities and amazing opportunities for you. Stay focused on your goals, and you'll undoubtedly thrive in your chosen field!
Embarking on a career journey at a young age can be a powerful way to ensure you're making the most of your time, effort, and resources. In my own experience, it is wise to list down your top career interests and explore further their potential opportunities. With this approach, you'll be well on your way to discovering a fulfilling lifelong career.
When I was on my junior high school, evaluating and choosing my top 3 college degree interests (BS Psychology, BS Nursing, and AB Political Science) showed that considering potential job opportunities and personal passion is crucial. By selecting BS Psychology, I found a wide array of exciting opportunities that allowed me to thrive in various settings and help people.
Remember, obtaining proper licenses and education is essential to be competitive and to access better opportunities within your chosen field. Pursuing advanced degrees can lead to significant growth and promotions in your career. Working in different settings and continually learning can help you discover your true passion and set the foundation for a successful lifelong career.
Keep up the great work, Samantha! Your enthusiasm and proactive approach are truly commendable. The future holds endless possibilities and amazing opportunities for you. Stay focused on your goals, and you'll undoubtedly thrive in your chosen field!
Joseph Burley
Enterprise Account Manager
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
2 great answers about nursing already. If you decide you want to become a doctor, it’ll take about 7 years after college before you’re out practicing on your own.
So your path would look like this:
finish high school, 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 3 years of residency, full on pediatrician! If you wanted to further specialize in pediatrics that would add to your years in residency.
Let me know if you or anyone else has follow up questions!
So your path would look like this:
finish high school, 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 3 years of residency, full on pediatrician! If you wanted to further specialize in pediatrics that would add to your years in residency.
Let me know if you or anyone else has follow up questions!
Cristina Fore
Registered Nurse, Nurse Leader
8
Answers
El Paso, Texas
Updated
Cristina’s Answer
Hi, Samantha! Thank you for asking your question. You’re in the right mindset asking about the steps to take and how long it takes for schooling and being in the 9th grade. This is great time to start think about possible careers.
Before I graduated high school, I applied, was accepted , and then attended a 4-year university after high school graduation. Sometimes it takes college students a little longer than 4 years to graduate college and other times, depending on how many credit hours you take per semester, you can graduate within 4 years!
During your Freshman year, you’ll be asked to declare a major. This mean, what type of college degree do you want to graduate with? I declared my major to be pre-nursing. It’s considered pre-nursing, because there’s the College of Nursing that you apply to just before you Junior year of college. When you’re accepted by the College of Nursing, this means you’re accepted into the college’s baccalaureate (bachelor’s) nursing program (also called nursing school). At this point you can say, “I’m a nursing major or I’m a nursing student!” For me, Nursing school was 2 1/2 years; this was the traditional program, not the “fast-track” program.
During nursing school, you will visit many different hospitals to be exposed to the various types of departments that have nurses taking care of patients. One of these visits, or clinical rotations, will be in the Pediatric Unit, the Well Baby Nursery or in the Neonatal ICU. It was during this clinical rotation that I had the most fun. Learning the class material was easy for me because I enjoyed this area so much! This is how I knew that after graduation, I wanted to be a baby nurse; specifically, one that takes care of sick babies.
After I graduated, I applied to 3 different hospitals that had openings for a NICU nurse. I was turned down twice and was pretty disappointed; but the last hospital was the one that took a chance on me. I did a very long orientation period (maybe 12-16 weeks), which taught me how to take care of these sick babies. I shadowed an experienced nurse and as I learned new things, I was able to perform these new things a little bit at a time on my own, and when my orientation was over and I was a practicing nursing by myself.
Regardless of what you decide to do for your career, one of the most important things to remember is the profession you choose and the job you work at, needs to feel right inside your heart; it should feel like you were born to do this. That feeling will help you enjoy your work, allow you to learn new things in your profession, and help you develop confidence, to where one day, you may help a college student learn and help them decide what they were meant to do!
I hope this helped you and gives you an idea about how long it takes to be a pediatric or neonatal nurse. My best wishes and much luck for your future!
Before I graduated high school, I applied, was accepted , and then attended a 4-year university after high school graduation. Sometimes it takes college students a little longer than 4 years to graduate college and other times, depending on how many credit hours you take per semester, you can graduate within 4 years!
During your Freshman year, you’ll be asked to declare a major. This mean, what type of college degree do you want to graduate with? I declared my major to be pre-nursing. It’s considered pre-nursing, because there’s the College of Nursing that you apply to just before you Junior year of college. When you’re accepted by the College of Nursing, this means you’re accepted into the college’s baccalaureate (bachelor’s) nursing program (also called nursing school). At this point you can say, “I’m a nursing major or I’m a nursing student!” For me, Nursing school was 2 1/2 years; this was the traditional program, not the “fast-track” program.
During nursing school, you will visit many different hospitals to be exposed to the various types of departments that have nurses taking care of patients. One of these visits, or clinical rotations, will be in the Pediatric Unit, the Well Baby Nursery or in the Neonatal ICU. It was during this clinical rotation that I had the most fun. Learning the class material was easy for me because I enjoyed this area so much! This is how I knew that after graduation, I wanted to be a baby nurse; specifically, one that takes care of sick babies.
After I graduated, I applied to 3 different hospitals that had openings for a NICU nurse. I was turned down twice and was pretty disappointed; but the last hospital was the one that took a chance on me. I did a very long orientation period (maybe 12-16 weeks), which taught me how to take care of these sick babies. I shadowed an experienced nurse and as I learned new things, I was able to perform these new things a little bit at a time on my own, and when my orientation was over and I was a practicing nursing by myself.
Regardless of what you decide to do for your career, one of the most important things to remember is the profession you choose and the job you work at, needs to feel right inside your heart; it should feel like you were born to do this. That feeling will help you enjoy your work, allow you to learn new things in your profession, and help you develop confidence, to where one day, you may help a college student learn and help them decide what they were meant to do!
I hope this helped you and gives you an idea about how long it takes to be a pediatric or neonatal nurse. My best wishes and much luck for your future!