How I Became a NICU Nurse as a New Grad/With No Experience!

[@annieefissh]

Another big part of getting a job is just your personality during the interview!!! If you come across as someone that would be a great asset to their staff they will hire you despite your lack of experience!

[@maddiehancock2014]

I’m really shy 😭😭😭

[@stephenmc8271]

Well, I've taken the exams for the 2nd time now and still didn't succeed, i wonder how those who succeeded did it. 😭💔

[@lorientheresa4844]

I failed twice, i lost money to reviews that never helped but the major thing is that l've not lost hope.

[@susandorothy9883]

You will pass Every one has their own season, just keep going, pray and believe you will receive.

[@benjaminfranklin4631]

NICU Exam is really frustrating, I can't believe I failed again after studying so much. 🤦‍♂️💔😭

[@mercedescolon1927]

Thank you so much for sharing all these helpful tips. My oldest daughter just graduated high school and is on her way to starting med school and any tips are always a blessing as we embark this new journey in her life ♥️

[@psecharnerwarthen4462]

Awesome. Thanks. Your video is by far one of the best videos that i have came across. I have been a nurse for more than 15 years and few years go I obtained my RN. I have applied to so many hospitals both near and far for what I hav always known as my passion as a NICU nurse and each and everyone has turned me down, rejected my application. I a just not understanding why; and the bad part of the situation is that I have 6 years of ped home health exp , but none in a hosp ( which is where I currently work). I have even applied at my hosp and they all tell me the same thing." We require @ least one-year exp prior"; yet the job being advertised says new grads or willing to train. The way the job system is set up is sad, because how can a nurse gain a year exp if no one is willing to give you the chance to learn.

[@mycraftyconundrum]

I did that in 1982 as a new graduate I worked at Northwestern Prentic Women’s hospital NICU

[@RRTinmaking]

Hello I just discovered your channel. I always wanted to be a NICU nurse. I think you are very inspiring.

[@LeightonSanders]

Thanks so much💛 and I say go for it!!

[@monicatorrealba5713]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I would love to be a NICU nurse. I’m going to start shadowing in NICU this summer since I’m going to start my nursing senior year this fall 😀 Also, I would love you to make a video with interview tips specifically for NICU and how to deal with the emotional part. Thank you again! 😊

[@Abigail_Kidimbu]

I'm 21 now and I've done three majors in University. I felt like a failure but now I finally know what I want. I am going to study Nursing from Janauri and I am so curious. I love your videos, you are really beautiful! and may God bless you.

[@LeightonSanders]

Thank you so much! And don’t let that make you feel like a failure, it takes time/different experiences to really figure out what you want!💕

[@xocarrie44]

Thank you so much for this video. I want to go into either L&D, mother/baby or Nicu and i was up until the end failing the course. I was so heartbroken and so stressed out the whole end of my third semester. Afterwards I was second guessing on if any of those where meant for me since i was so close to failing. But after seeing this video i has given me new hope that i am making the correct decision on my future. I am graduating in may/june and plan on applying to my dream jobs.

[@LeightonSanders]

YES!! Don’t let that “failure” stop you!! The path to purpose isn’t supposed to be easy💕💕

[@quelquun2018]

@@LeightonSanders girl is that your apartment?!? If so, tour please!!!

[@elliekatelynch4185]

I would love to see an interview video!!

[@arianagarcia7410]

Honestly, I didn’t think I would like labor and delivery and I loved it. If you get an opportunity, take it! It’s awesome and so rewarding

[@juanvasquez4584]

💯 was on point! 👊🏼…..I won’t take a MS spot either, hated it. Starting my final semester Monday and NICU is my only choice 🙏🏼

[@LeightonSanders]

Yess! Goodluck you got this🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@samanthabracaj402]

I have never related to a story more why are we the same omg Thankyou this encouraged me to apply even tho I’m a new grad

[@savannahgarrison9603]

I saw your comment on a different video and thank you for this!!

[@andrepittsvlogs3864]

You have a good education and University of nursing school is totally amazing. You are a great inspiration of becoming a NICU Nurse 😀😘😗🤗❤

[@janelleborja2446]

Wow!!!! That’s crazy!!!! I can’t believe you’re a Nicu nurse as a new grad!!!! Congrats girl! Get it.

[@audrey3809]

Im graduating in May from WVU nursing, love your videos! I have a job ready to go after graduation but Id love to hear more of your experience with the NCLEX and graduation and being an orientee on a new unit! xoxoxox

[@LeightonSanders]

Thank you!! and that's a great suggestion I'll include that in a vlog soon 😇

[@Teffy2105]

Just visited the university of Tennessee on a recent trip to Knoxville. Great campus and awesome school. I was hearing that the nursing program there is very competitive. Congratulations!

[@samiistahl]

Hi I’m new here! Your story is so inspirational, please do more interview tips!

[@LeightonSanders]

Thanks so much!! I’ll be making another interview video soon🥰

[@starshell84]

I'm 37 yrs old I plan to go back to college to pursue nursing I want to do L&D

[@niagay711]

hi 💕 tysm for your video! super encouraging!!! wondering if you could make a video about how to talk about the hard stuff with your patients and their family members? xoxo

[@michmich1098]

I would love a video on interview tips!!!

[@YideedNefesh]

So awesome to watch these! I've been a nurse for over 40 years and I've mentored many new grads. Keep it up! It's a great see you share your story and encourage others to follow your path!

[@cnew23]

Labor and Delivery is a whole other ball game when all you have is med surg experience!!! I barely passed it this semester so you are not alone!

[@FayBod]

Hello, great video! Can you do a video describing what a typical work night/ shift for you is like please and thank you.

[@kayleefrieden6206]

I’m a college student still working through my basics and pre reqs! I plan to major in nursing with the intention to go into something like NICU or L&D. i just found your channel today and have been binge watching lol. You inspire me to keep going. What’s some advice you may have for someone who plans to pursue nursing but hasn’t started yet?? Study tips for people who aren’t book smart??

[@La_La_La007]

Yes I haven't started hopefully start this summer with my first pre-reqs I'm excited and nervous at the same time but confident that I will make it through

[@autumnrenee1671]

Leighton, thank you for this video! I just switched to nursing after pursuing law for over 4 years so I am terrified but excited for the journey ahead and you’re such an inspiration for me! I was positive I just wanted to be a peds nurse but after seeing your videos i’m now considering nicu also! I just got a job as a pct in a med surg unit. Do you think I should attempt to ask for a switch over to peds/nicu or should I ride it out and wait until I have more experience?

[@LeightonSanders]

That’s awesome good for you for pursuing what you want to do! And I would say you might as well try! I’m not sure how it works at the hospital you’re at, but the worst that could happen is they say no and at least you tried! If you know you want to do peds or nicu, I personally do not think med surg experience is necessary because the nicu is just so different. But either way, just know things will work out how they are supposed to in the right timing😊💕

[@Prosperity85]

Autumn Renee see if you can work as a float pct to gain experience.

[@hdudley1]

Another thing to consider is they may take someone with less experience if they have a preceptor on the unit to train, but if they don’t due to being short staffed they may go with someone with more experience… was this the case for you did you get a preceptor on the unit even without experience?

[@c_fairyland]

I am new grad and chasing for my pediatrics opportunities. Hopefully

[@elmacehic9344]

I feel like the way they changed the program was a disadvantage to all students. The whole point is to do rotation to see what you may or may not like. I hope they changed it back. Sorry you had to go through this, but I’m glad that you are in the place you are now.

[@sarahc2284]

Hi Leighton! I'm a junior in nursing school right now and will be graduating in May of 2023. I start clinical this semester and wanted to ask if you had any advice! Also, what are some good ways nursing students can get their foot in a hospital before graduating? Sending lots of love!

[@sarahc2284]

I also want to be a NICU nurse as well :)

[@annieefissh]

Congratulations!!!! It's already such a big achievement making it this far

[@cynthiaemelda3937]

I don’t think i can ever pass my Nclex’s exams 💔💔😔😔😔❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

[@danielmark57]

People keep talking about Cynthia all over KZbin, she must be a very awesome help

[@TDJakesOfficiaI.....]

@Yes you're correct but remember heaven helps those who help themselves, try studying if you can't study then get yourself a good help

[@alexjoe1571]

Nclex might seem so tough to pass but studying very hard is a very vital skill to win trust me

[@sydneybecker563]

Everyone has there own way,Cynthia worked for me and studying didn't.

[@aaliyahexalted9403]

@ Correct, everyone has a different fate

[@xxphanaxx]

Ty for the video. 💕

[@andrepittsvlogs3864]

Hey Leighton yesterday I turned 36 on my birthday yesterday

[@godsgirl7201]

I like that fire place on the tv ❤️

[@_GandalfTheGrey_]

I hope that professor who would mark an entire question wrong for not capitalizing a word got fired. That’s very unhelpful.

[@asferguson2010]

what is the one main difference between level 3 and level 4 nicu ..in your view. Besides surgery or iller babies Also... sorry 1 more.. do doctors have assistance to put in E.T. Tube or do Rns assist with that...and do you guys cut tape for the et tubes or u have pre cut tape?...

[@aliciavasquez-hernandez4135]

Been job hunting for about a month and I am SET on NICU but its rough out here in cali 😅 I’ve been applying everywhere even out of state

[@yvonnetrotman4809]

Regarding pay. Did you notice a pay difference depending on the unit?

[@vansap26]

Thank you for this vid! So helpful :) What do you use to curl your hair? So beautiful!!

[@LeightonSanders]

Thank youu!! I've had it for years but the same one is found on Amazon! Here's my Amazon link: amzn.to/3qcw0UR

[@andrepittsvlogs3864]

What's your favorite holiday

[@andrepittsvlogs3864]

I Like your nails Leighton

[@andrepittsvlogs3864]

You are an inspiration to nursing school 🏫😀😘😗🤗❤💚🎄

[@midnightcoalexpress]

What level NICU was it? I currently work as a tech in a NICU but it’s a level 1 and the nurses have said I should try and get at least level III experience

[@ModelingTabi]

hey leighton! thank u for this video. I’ve always wanted to be a nicu nurse before and after graduation. when I graduated, I applied for some nicu positions but I was denied cus I needed experience. but I needed to start working as a nurse so I applied at this hospital for a medsurg position and I’ve been at the job for 6 months now; I don’t like it😔 I started working in that unit cus I wanted to get my foot in the door since that hospital has a nicu. but online it says that they require a year of experience but I only have six months. I’m waiting for a full time position to open up to apply even tho I don’t have 1 year. do u think that’s a good idea?? since they still don’t have an open position, should I go ahead and email the nicu manager?? or just wait for an open position so that I can “recruite” more months of experience at my current position. my current manager at my current medsurg position is super sweet. I think if I contact the nicu manager or put in an application, my current manager will find out. how do I phrase me wanted to transfer without burning bridges?? thank you.

[@LeightonSanders]

That’s tough! I would say might as well go ahead and apply for the position because sometimes they can hire people with less experience than what they say they require (although it also depends on the hospital/situation) and if you have the manager contact, it wouldn’t hurt to email them as well. And as for your current manager, if you’re comfortable, maybe you could go ahead and have an honest conversation with her. Let her know how you’re feeling and be honest! If she’s a good manager she should be understanding. Also if you haven’t already, check for openings at other hospitals in your area! Hope this helps!💖

[@sweetestlex9757]

could you do a whats in my nursing bag?

[@LeightonSanders]

Thank you for the suggestion!! Just posted it☺️

[@Sara-md8nu]

I start my BSN program next week and already overwhelmed just reading over the syllabi 😬

[@louiseelsezy6891]

I legitimately just failed my 1st attempt at NCLEX. Not trying to do that again. Advice on passing? Why do I feel dumb!? Ughhh. Anyways congrats to you! Go you!

[@LeightonSanders]

I know multiple successful nurses that failed the first time and one is now a nurse practitioner with her own business so don’t let that keep you down💖 and the main way I studied was using Uworld practice questions! The explanations were super helpful and the questions were a lot hard than the nclex ones!

[@Colleenc123]

Just found your channel and I’m obsessed! Are you a libra?!

[@LeightonSanders]

AH thank you🥰 and no I’m a Pisces!

[@emilymynett6441]

I don't understand how did you get step down icu just like that

[@spookytook]

what kind of questions were they?

[@kriziaeloraf3581]

I have an interview for a new RN grad in the NICU soo tips please!!!

[@OffhandAgent]

Any recommendations for RNs in the acute care field who desire to branch out into NICU?

[@godsgirl7201]

You hair is beautiful

[@rachelpushnam]

Do you need to get a RN License or BSN License?

[@selenacisneros3322]

Hi Leighton! I applied to almost every hospital as a new grad to get into the NICU position but I have been turned down due to no prior experience. I was thinking of applying to mother/baby (postpartum) to put my foot in the door to gain some experience. Do you think that would help or is there a different route that might help build experience as postpartum and NICU are so different! Great video and congrats on landing a NICU position!!

[@eland7373]

Hi, obviously I’m not Leighton . My daughter just graduated nursing school in December and her dream had always been to be a NICU nurse so she tailored her resume solely for NICU , she apply to all hospitals in town and started getting turned down from a lot of them for NICU but getting offers for med-surge and COVID units ,so she decided to apply to the same state but different cities so she got her dream job, level 4 NICU, I would advice you to do the same and don’t worry most hospitals offer relocation bonus, yes my daughter lives 300 miles away from home but working in her dream job. Best of luck to you

[@selenacisneros3322]

@@eland7373 9 month update - I got a job in the NICU! I’m 2 months into my training and love it. I appreciate your advice. It was definitely worth exhausting all of my options and being determined 🤍

[@eland7373]

@@selenacisneros3322 that’s wonderful!! Did you have to move cities?

[@itisi8278]

I am about to go into 10th grade and I want to be a NICU nurse so bad and this video was really helpful and gave me hope so thank you so much! I was wondering if you don't mind answering what were your grades like in high school because I want to know how good my grades have to be at least. Like was your GPA like almost perfect. I hope you don't mind my question. Much love🤍

[@patricemorrow4671]

Hey there! Thank you for your story. I’m going through something very similar. Especially with the lack of experience. I went into the OR as a new grad for 2.5 years. What was the nicu interview like? Would like to know. I have an interview coming up soon! 🙏🏽 Anything helps :)

[@LeightonSanders]

Hi! So my interview was pretty relaxed. I was interviewed by the nurse manager and she asked me a few typical interview questions, but most of the questions led to normal conversation! My main advice would be have specific questions ready that you want to ask so that you sound interested. Also, have a few selling points that you can bring up that help you stand out! And make it clear that you’re eager and ready to learn. At the end of my interview, some of the current nurses came in to ask me some questions as well. I tried my best to be personable and show them I was ready to work hard!

[@sabrinabess5649]

Hi @patrice morrow how was your experience in the OR as a new grad? Did you ever make the switch to the NICU?

[@blairegillingham5839]

I had an interview with the NICU and now will be having a peer interview and I’m nervous for what all the peer interview will entail. Do you have any tips or advice? Thanks 😬

[@LeightonSanders]

Oh that's awesome congrats!! You may have already had the interview, but my advice would mainly be to just be yourself and be personable! I feel like the main point of the peer interview portion is to make sure you would be a good fit on the unit. They'll also probably give you some scenario examples of things they deal with and then ask how you would handle it. Good luck!! 💛

[@stephaniediazc.5230]

Hey girl! How old are you?😁 I’m only asking because you look so young! And I’m curious since you’re a nurse! I thought it took years.

[@LeightonSanders]

Hi! I’m 23, turning 24 in March. I got my bachelors degree in 4.5 years total! My nursing program after prerequisites was 2 years. There are also accelerated nursing programs that are only 1 year.

[@stephaniediazc.5230]

@@LeightonSanders how old were you when you completed the whole program?

[@marissagremillion3057]

I’m 😅