How to become a nurse?

NICU Nurse - How do I become one? Also, the quickest route? I need a little help with some questions on it?

• Okay. I have many questions about an NICU Nurse and I really can't decide if I want to become one or not. Although, I do have a heart for the little ones in the Neonatal ICU, I would like to work there eventually in the future. My questions are: 1. How many hours does an NICU nurse typically work on the average basis? 2. What do NICU Nurses actually do on the job? 3. Their pay? (In the United States) 4. Also, I would like to know if you can start at a community college and move your way up to go to a medical school to continue to become an NICU nurse? 5. Can you become a CNA and then go for NICU Nurse? My friend tells me you can. (true or false?) Thanks to anyone who can help me! I have been considering this idea for two years now and still can't decide upon if I really should go for this or not.

• Answer:

  It depends on if you're Per Diem, Part Time, or Full Time. Per Diem - It depends on if they have a shift for you, 0-40+ hours. Part Time - 8-40+ hours. Full Time - 24-40+ hours. 6, 8, and/or 12 hour shifts. NICU Nurses do what any other Nurse does, just with babies. Monitoring, caring for, etc. It depends on what part of the U.S. you are in. Starting off, you might get $40,000+... Medical School is for Doctors, not Nurses. You'll go to a Nursing program, be it at a University, College, or Trade School. You'll do a rotation on Neonatal care, so you'll get a taste. From there you'll have to apply for positions at the NICU. If you want to specialize, you'll have to get your Masters' Degree and specialize as a Nurse Midwife, but it's easier to just apply for NICU Nursing positions. CNA has nothing to do with Nursing at the education level. You should get your CNA because it'd take about 3-6 months and you can work, get a taste of Nursing, and get your foot in the door at Hospital. The pay is okay though. Usually $12+ an hour. Same hours as a Nurse depending on your Full Time/Part Time/Per Diem status. Of course you can just go for your Nursing degree off the bat. CNA won't do much more but help you out with experience.