You've always wanted to work with babies. So, it makes sense that neonatal careers are appealing to you. As a neonatal nurse, you'll help newborns who are born too early, have serious birth defects, or are medically fragile in some other way. Whether you're just about to graduate with your RN or are in grad school (getting an advanced practice degree), a job search in neonatology careers is probably on the horizon. Before you start your search, check out these tips for finding the "just right" job for you.
Know Your Options
Hospitals are the obvious places where neonatal nurses work. With that in mind, you've started applying to every NICU at every hospital in your area. But, wait! There are other options. Some of these professionals also work in health care clinics. This includes follow-up care clinics that provide ongoing help, support, and medical guidance for parents of newborns who have been discharged from the hospital. Neonatal nurses also work in doctor's offices, as developmental specialists, as researchers, and in administrative roles.
Start Your Search Soon
There's no need to wait until you graduate from school to start looking for a job. Waiting might mean that you end up not working for weeks or months. While you can't actually start working as a neonatal nurse until you've got your degree (and license), starting a pre-graduation search provides you with essential information and gets your name out there. You'll have the chance to find out if hospitals, health care clinics, and doctor's offices are hiring in your area—or, if you'll need to consider moving somewhere else to work. Along with making major life decisions (such as moving to a new city for a job), starting your search early on may get you a position that stays on hold until you graduate. Some employers may make a job offer, with the stipulation that you actually graduate and get your RN before you start working.
Join Professional Groups
Professional associations and organizations can help you to network with other people in neonatal careers. This includes potential mentors, other new nurses and employers. Involving yourself in these types of associations doesn't mean just signing up or paying a membership fee. You need to get out there and meet people too. Attend events in your area, go to professional development, conferences or lectures that the organization offers or connect through the association's online community. The National Association of Neonatal Nurses, the Academy of Neonatal Nursing and local or state nursing associations are all examples of organizations that provide plenty of opportunities to connect.
Make a List
Just any job won't do. It's likely that you have wants and needs when it comes to your career. Whether it's the role you want to take on (working directly with babies, working with parents or acting as an administrator) or the hours that you want to work, list out what your "dream job" would look like. Match each aspect on your list up to what you're finding in your search. Even though you might not hit every point, keep searching until you've found a position that fits the majority of your needs.
Neonatology careers are challenging and rewarding at the same time. As a soon-to-be grad, start your job search ASAP. Knowing where you want to work, what type of role you'll play as part of the neonatal health care team and what your career needs are can help your search and inform your decisions. So, put together a stand-out resume, start talking to a few new friends at professional associations, and get ready to start down your chosen path.
For more information, contact establishments like Kidz Medical Services.
Share18 November 2016
I am a mother of four wonderful children, and like other parents, I have been to my fair share of health care clinics. It seems like my children are always getting scrapes and coming down with colds. When I was a new parent, I never knew whether I should take my injured or ill child to the emergency room or local urgent care facility. I received some simple advice from a seasoned parent that made my decisions easier that I want to pass onto all new parents, along with other health tips I've learned. he told me that she tended to take her children to the ER when they were bleeding or had very high temperatures and took them to the local urgent care for any other problem. I have followed her advice ever since, and my children remain healthy and happy!
