New Grads in the ICU - Summer 2013

[blueorchid981]

Hey everyone! I am a new grad that will be starting my first nursing job in the ICU! I precepted in an ICU as well. This thread is for all new grads starting in an ICU this summer! We can compare notes, support and vent with one another.

[MLB4]

I am a May 2012 grad and can't find a job anywhere as a new nurse. (Thank God I still have my first career job)Where do you guys live that they allow new grads in an ICU? That's my dream job on my way to burn someday but any ICU job I see wants experienced only.

I live in Chicago area btw...

I live in the Chicago area as well. I, among several of my classmates/friends, have been fortunate enough to land positions in our dream units, including ICU. Just depends where you are looking, how strong of a candidate you are, and when you are applying. Also, apply to the positions that say you need experience as well. Some places will consider strong new nurses, but they usually will not advertise it. Of course, if it says "will not consider new graduates" then don't apply. Myself and 2 of my friends all landed positions in the ICU even though it says "requires 2 years of acute care experience."

Did you work as a nursing assistant while in school? Although not necessary to have done this to obtain an ICU position, it helps. My manager told me straight out in my interview she is afraid to hire a new graduate into the ICU who has not worked as a CNA or something relevant..

My best advice is to keep applying and don't give up. If you can get a position on a different floor within the hospital system, you could transfer to ICU after sometime (most hospitals require 6 months of employment before transfer).

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

[MLB4]

Also in the Chicago area and I can't agree more. That would be like a dream around here.

Have you tried any community hospitals? I find new graduates have more luck there all times of the year. A lot of the big hospitals only hire at certain times of the year, and they usually only hire a select few of the "best of the best". Best of luck! I hope you land your dream job soon! :)

[schnookimz]

Worked as a nursing assistant for three years and an lpn for one year. I worked full time at these jobs while doing my pre reqs and all the way through nursing school. I've applied to over 250 jobs at this point and can't even get a call back.

Two hospital systems actually called to tell me to stop applying for jobs that require experience. They said it makes me look bad bc it looks like I just want any nursing job instead of a specific nursing job---they are right. I DO WANT ANY JOB!!!!

[PatMac10,RN, RN]

I've been working in a smaller, rural CVICU, since July 15th! I lovey job! Everyone on my unit is so tight-knit, welcoming, and helpful, even the surgeons. I am learning soooo much. I look forward to going to work every week.

I am a new grad ADN nurse who graduated and passed NCLEX in May 2013!

[JeanOfAllTraits]

I'm having issues incorporating/processing the hemodynamic information too! Does anyone have any tips on how to make things easier to understand?? I haven't had a change to read the Hemodynamic document on ICUFaqs to see if it would make more sense to me there.

I had my first crack at a swan last week. It made so much more sense after I had one in my hand and worked through the A&P of it and the measurements. I haven't oriented to CV ICU yet, but I know that I'll get more experience with Hemodynamics there. Are you a hands on learner? YOu could see if your Ed coordinator could get you some time with a swan/balloon pump model. Of course, it all depends on how often you really see them at your hospital.

Well, I'm off to do groceries and make some meals, then onto reviewing ECCO's! Yay! Side note, I'll be on my own next week! Ah! Excited and scared all at the same time. :)

[nursed40]

Check out this awesome website...icufaqs.org. Lots of great info for any ICU nurse!

[srna520]

Hi guys! My name is Isaac. I currently live in Orlando and will be starting as a GN in a cardiac ICU, this is a great thread just wanted to introduce myself.

[greyL]

How is everyone doing? I just finished my 4th week of orientation, and I feel so incompetent all the time! There are no other new grads on the unit with me so I have no one to compare myself to.

[racingmurse320q]

I've got 2 more shifts of orientation and then I'm on my own. I feel like I've gained a lot of confidence through the orientation process but I know I've got a long way to go. I've already had run ins with those arrogant, egotistical physicians and it's made me realize I've got to have tough skin. Good luck to everyone!

[libynjoe]

hello,

can anyone help me ...im trying to find new grad jobs in the houston area.

[Sponges]

Hi everyone. I currently hold 2 student nurse positions in 2 hospitals in town. One is in SICU. I am finishing up 4th semester and have accepted a full time RN position in CVICU. Very excited and very nervous!!

[COLOR=#003366]racingmurse320q: I've encountered a resident like that (surgical resident). It was during my clinical rotation in burn. I also need to work to thicken my skin as well.

grey L: I will be the only new grad in the unit as well :/. Are you doing ecco? I am required to do that during orientation. I was told it will help the transition...we'll see.

[Chaswald]

I will be starting orientation at my new position in the Cardio-Pulmonary ICU at our local teaching hospital and level 1 trauma center starting tomorrow. I have been an LPN for about 5 years in long term care and sub acute rehab. I very recently got my RN. It has been my goal to be not only a cardiac nurse but ultimately an ICU nurse. So this is like a dream come true. Honestly for me it was more about who i got along with in school and who my instructors were. One of mine worked on this unit for 13 years and felt I would be a great fit there. So she gave me a glowing reference. So excited!