Hired into ICU as a new grad, now bring shipped off to ICC... :(

[Phlavyah]

I worked extremely hard to be top of my class in hopes to be hired into my local hospital' s small ICU. I was not a hospital scholarship student (those took priority in the hiring process) but I did end up getting the only GN position available at the ICU. I'm now in thd end of my training and was getting ready to go downtown for my critical care course, but was told that due to overbooking I was dropped off the course. My manager does not want to keep me without the cc education and is shipping me off to ICC till the course is available again (probably in 1yr). I was also told that "when" I come back to ICU, theres a strong possibility I would be working nights. Which is not what I signed up for... I'm just heart broken. I feel like a little kid who was good all year long, got the coveted gift from Santa just to have it ripped off her hands... Thanks for reading...

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

expections and reality sometimes clash. No manager can ever quarantee where the need will be. I guarantee that you will be asked to change work days and shifts several times in your nursing career.

[Kabouche]

Sorry you feel bad, but be real do you know how many new grads are looking for jobs?? You should be greatful! Go to work get your experience then you can move on, you're a nurse for Pete's sake toughen up!

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

Make the best of it and get all the experience you can, cardiac telemetry is useful for ICU and if and when you go back to ICU there or get a job elsewhere in ICU you will have gained some valuable experience and skills that will make ICU easier and less stressful. Who knows maybe you will find you like this area and want to stay. It is considered a popular area in nursing. Give it a chance, you may find you like it!

PS Going into ICU straight out of nursing school can be very stressful and not everyone does well. I know of several nurses who were placed on other units when they were judged as not able to work ICU. It is not for everyone! Also I know some who left voluntarily after realizing it was not for them.

[Phlavyah]

Thanks brandy1017. I know you are right. I guess i just had my "fav toy" taken away, had a pitty party, and i think im almost over it. I will survive n learn from it. I thank everyone's posts who were supportive, empathetic and allowed me the luxury to vent. For the ones who mentioned the job shortage, I wanted to say that everyone who graduated w me got hired within a couple of months max. If u r looking or a job, come to central FL! The market is not that bad here. :)

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

What can you do? Be thankful you have a job. There are many new grads without a job. Dont complain.

This bears reposting once again.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I think it is fine to be upset. You were told one thing, and then told another. It sucks. It is ok to be bummed. I would be to. In a day or two pick yourself up and make the best of what you have.. Keep trying to get back to the ICU. Good luck.

[Phlavyah]

Thanks!! That's the plan!! :)

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

You should be greatful that you even have a job because there are a lot of new grads out there who would love to be in your shoes! Even if it wasn't your first choice. I understand you're frustrated because you we're supposed to be hired on ICU and now they are placing you on a progressive care unit, but that's better than no job at all. They could have just decided to let you go all together.

I work on a progressive care unit and you learn A LOT, trust me! I thought I wanted ICU right off the bat but I am very happy with where I am right now.

As for nights, most new grads start off working nights. Kind of like a seniority thing...nurses who hav been there longer are offered the day shift positions. Nights really aren't that bad, either. You get a shift differential (= more money!) and I think it's great for new grads to get their organizational and time management skills down pat.

[Phlavyah]

Thx, and I agree. I am very thankful I have a job, don't get me wrong. And I'm glad I was placed in ICC. It was a shock to learn though, that the unit, shift, and education (all part of my contract) that I was promised are not happening any time soon. it was a shock, it never ran through my head that such thing could happen to me. live'n learn!! :)

[imagenthings]

sorry about your disappointment. that said, be thankful you have a job. it took me 2 years to get a nursing position, and yes i was at my lowest low at times, but i forgot about my preference a looonnnngggg time ago. i am not saying to do this, but some good may come of it. i am in a field of nursing where i had no interest. none. and i like it. i have wonderful co-workers i must say. keep your chin up. i hope you find some happiness in icc. maybe make some great friends or learn some helpful skills. hey.

[lindarn]

Next time get in in WRITING!! Then, do not take NO for an answer.

JMHO and my NY $0.02.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Somewhere in the PACNW

[wooh, BSN, RN]

I truly don't think they can "demote" you when they made the decision to remove you from the class they require because the made a scheduling error.

Sounds more like a lateral move than a "demotion." OP will still be a nurse, I didn't read anything about her getting bumped down to a tech job.

It was a shock to learn though, that the unit, shift, and education (all part of my contract) that I was promised are not happening any time soon. it was a shock, it never ran through my head that such thing could happen to me. live'n learn!! :)

It's the way of the world. Especially now that jobs are scarce. Nurses can be screwed around because what are we gonna do? Go get that job that doesn't exist at the next hospital?

Eventually the economy will turn around, spouses will get back to work so that the nurses can go back to retirement, stay at home momming, working part-time, etc. And nurses will have a bit more bargaining power. Right now, it's take it or leave it. And the hospitals know it.

It sounds like you've got a good attitude about it. I really think things happen the way they're "supposed to" happen. Make the most of the experience you'll get. Who knows, maybe you'll like it more than what you thought you'd like. In nursing school I wanted to do ICU. Did my senior practicum on a unit that the nurses worked the ICU and the step-down of that unit, and found out, I didn't like ICU. I much preferred patients that weren't intubated. (Although there are days that I truly wish my patients had a tube down their throat, and well, their families could use some strategic ET tube placement too.) Now I work in the next to last specialty that I ever thought I'd work in, and I love it. NEVER thought I'd be doing what I'm doing.

Make the most of your time, be open to liking it, learn what you can.