seasoned ICU nurses

[kmunns1]

I am about to graduate and there is an internship for new grads in the ICU. I know that is where I want to be in the long run but I want to know from a seasoned ICU nurses perspective, how do you feel about new grads in the ICU? Is there a large benefit from floor nursing before transitioning into a specialty unit like this?

A little bit of background, I worked as a float pool CNA for two years and have worked in the ICU as a CNA for two years.

The nurses I work with have very divided opinions on this matter, many of them started as new grads and think that this is a good opportunity. Other nurses think that this program is bound to fail because new grads just aren't prepared to take critical patients right out of school. I do see that there could be some big benefits to having some experience before coming down to the ICU.

Thanks for your input!

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

As a new grad you will be molded into the wherever you start. I was a new grad in the ICU. It was worth it. There are many new grad ICU programs all across the US and produce successful nurses. There always will be the mindset to do Med/Surg first, but doing med/surg will prepare you for med/surg. An ICU orientation will prepare you for the ICU. Time management, medications, everything is different. GO FOR IT!!! ICU is a scary, frightening, fascinating, incredible place to work.

People will always be divided as to where new grads should start. It seems you have an insight into what the environment will be like. I also was a CNA prior to becoming a nurse. Being a CNA helped me see what roles the nurses played, how they managed time, and what struggles they faced.

[kmunns1]

Do you have any advise about easing the transition from CNA to RN? or really any advise in general?

[sweetspirit]

I think it just depends on the person....We all have our unique attributes and strengths. Some new nurses do great in the ICU and others do not. I would not trade my MedSurg experience for anything!!! But I love what I do now as well! CV surgery Pts are my favorite - the sicker the better!

[WIBound]

I still believe any new nurse benefits from 6months to a year in med/surg or even a step-down area prior to entering ICU or ED. However, I worked with many nurses who entered the ICU right after graduation and became excellent nurses. The ones who had the easiest transitions were the ones who worked in the ICU as techs - they did not need to learn the routine or where things were and knew how to find information. Someone who is brand new to healthcare and never worked in a hospital would find it much more difficult - IMHO