New Grad interested in Trauma

cec726 · Jun 9, 2012

I am a new grad and also interested in trauma. I applied to many ER and trauma ICU's online and got rejected every time. I finally contacted HR at the local hospital and kept calling and calling and pestering until they finally aknowledged me and I got an interview and ultimately a job in the ER. Our hospital is a level 2 trauma center. They told me I wouldn't be able to work the trauma rooms until I was TNCC and ACLS certified. I start next week...scared to death! Good luck.

Leonardo Del Toro, RN · Jun 13, 2012

There is a hospital in Rio de Janeiro Brazil called Miguel Couto HOSPITAL MUNICIPAL MIGUEL COUTO em foco . They have a huge trauma center there. The city or Rio de Janeiro is so filled with trauma, patients die waiting for treatment and are kept in a room awaiting for staff and facility. I heard that the Israeli army sent their medical personal to train there because it's the closest thing to an war. I think they take anybody who can help. Good luck

sserrn, BSN · Jun 15, 2012

I'm a new nurse grad (as of May, 13, 2012)... currently studying to take my board exam. On my breaks, I view blogs... trying to find out if its realistic to apply for Trauma: entry-level.
I believe most hospitals are reluctant to higher any new grads into ICU, ER, or Trauma. Despite their differences... I am willing to travel anywhere in the world... just want to earn the experience.
Any suggestions as to what your experience was when you first applied to BSN/RN jobs? What steps did you take to get into Trauma?

Not realistic to expect a trauma ER position (in a level I facility). Now, they may hire you in a level I trauma center ER, but they will likely not actually expose you to trauma for a year.

On the other hand, you very may well land a new grad position in a trauma ICU...I was offered a trauma ICU position at a Level I TC, but turned it down for a Level III trauma ctr ER instead (bc I wanted ER, not ICU and could not get a job at a level I or II ER).

Wolf at the Door, BSN · Jun 15, 2012

Not realistic to expect a trauma ER position (in a level I facility). Now, they may hire you in a level I trauma center ER, but they will likely not actually expose you to trauma for a year.
On the other hand, you very may well land a new grad position in a trauma ICU...I was offered a trauma ICU position at a Level I TC, but turned it down for a Level III trauma ctr ER instead (bc I wanted ER, not ICU and could not get a job at a level I or II ER).

I agree. Very few places will take a new grad at a level I trauma center or level II. I would advise to try a med surg trauma unit or trauma step down.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2012

I'm a new nurse grad (as of May, 13, 2012)... currently studying to take my board exam. On my breaks, I view blogs... trying to find out if its realistic to apply for Trauma: entry-level.
I believe most hospitals are reluctant to higher any new grads into ICU, ER, or Trauma. Despite their differences... I am willing to travel anywhere in the world... just want to earn the experience.
Any suggestions as to what your experience was when you first applied to BSN/RN jobs? What steps did you take to get into Trauma?

Some places hire new grads in to any department on a space available basis as part of a new RN residency. My hospitals hire new grads in to ER and ICU and TNICU. The spots are competitive and not open every application cycle. Look in to Hershey Medical Center, Lehigh Valley Health Network, University of Pennsylvania (ICU hiring but not ER), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children (all in Pennsylvania). Also look in to Versant Residencies.

If you have extra money to spare, look in to taking TNCC and/or ATCN.

I was hired in to the ER as a new grad and was oriented to the Trauma Bay from the start. Once off orientation I waited about a month before being given Trauma assignments. I work at a Level I Trauma Center. A lot of my classmates got hired in to ICU or ER positions and many of the ER folks from my class have gotten trauma exposure within a year.

MnemonicMonkey · Jun 23, 2012

I got hired at a Level I trauma center on the trauma med-surg floor as a new grad. It's honestly been a great place to start, and a good place to learn to organize, prioritize, and multitask naturally... the stuff you can't learn from a book.

The patient population is tough to work with (they usually got shot for a reason), but it's been a great way to get familiar with caring for all sorts of patients in a more stable environment.

biancocm · Jul 1, 2012

I got hired as a new grad into a level 1 trauma center trauma icu and can't picture myself working anywhere else. I applied to probably over 150 jobs before I got this one (i was applying all over the country). I just kept call HR's and basically annoying them until they gave me an interview.

BlueSunRise · Jul 1, 2012

Thank you kindly for taking the time to answer my blog. Nobody has ever answered my requests for information on this particular topic... I appreciate the information you provided. I am still studying for the board exam... in the mean time I will look at the certifications you mentioned: TNCC, ACLS, ATCN... and will look into the Trauma ICU option. I was an EMT for years and I am quick... I do not particularly enjoy slow paced environments. In addition, I want to work where I am needed the most... the idea of moving to Brazil is not exciting but the thought that their municipal hospital needs staff for their dying patients is very thought provoking and an attractive option. I will keep you posted on my progress since you took the time to share your thoughts with me. Thanks again... very very much. (P.S. I printed this discussion and will keep it on my desk to refer to what you all said as I apply... so your thoughts will be my guide. Thanks again.)

C-lion · Aug 7, 2012

I have a question as well. I have heard that if you start off in the ICU that you can go anywhere after that. I had an interview for trauma step-down last week. As a new grad, can someone advise me on what would be better to do? Trauma stepdown or ICU? I am still waiting to hear back after the interview, hopefully I will be offered a position...

Wolf at the Door, BSN · Aug 22, 2012

I have a question as well. I have heard that if you start off in the ICU that you can go anywhere after that. I had an interview for trauma step-down last week. As a new grad, can someone advise me on what would be better to do? Trauma stepdown or ICU? I am still waiting to hear back after the interview, hopefully I will be offered a position...

That is what I have been told also about ICU. However I think it is impossible to do floor nursing after that.

JB2007, ASN, RN · Aug 26, 2012

Sorry to be a downer here, but personally I would start out on a good med-surg unit first. Being a new grad is very stressful and you have ALOT to learn. I have been a nurse for 5 years now and I only recently took a position on a surgical trauma ICU and I will tell you there are times when I fell like a new grad because there is so much to learn. And I have the basics down and am familar with the medications. I really do not understand what is so wrong with working your way into your dream job. You will be so much more comfortable starting out. I am like you I love the faster pace and way a pt can change in a min. Just some words of advice. Good Luck with everything.