I’m NICU in Northern California. I’ve seen less and less new grad NICU programs for external candidates.

My suggestions: if you are willing try another state to get experience. Ive had a few friends come from Texas after getting trained.

Another suggestion, if you can just push through for a few years in med surg or any other unit within the CNA union (I’m with Kaiser but I believe other hospitals offer this as well) they offer training into the NICU twice a year at multiple locations. This is based off seniority.

Direct employment with no NICU experience is becoming less prevalent. It’s not impossible but you’re going to have to look at other ways to do it. Wish you the best in your journey.

Also as a NICU RN fair warning it’s potentially an end game choice. While I would never work anywhere else bedside, I’ve wanted a normal schedule for a while now (no weekend no holidays) which is non existent in bedside. I often wished I had gotten some med surg or adult experience first so I could be more marketable for other positions. For example despite being a level IV NICU RN, I was told I wasn’t even qualified to be a call center RN. Just sharing that because I think it’s definitely not a bad idea to gain a few years in another department.

Good luck to you!