[whitter]

Hey everyone!

I graduate in May. I externed in a CVICU and knew that was my niche. I loved it all. Organized. Structured. Challenging. Anyway, I planned on starting ICU after I pass my NCLEX.

I am hearing two different things:

1. Be an ICU nurse when you graduate. You can learn a lot. You won't form bad habits. ICU nurses like new grads.

2. Don't be an ICU nurse right after graduation. Start out in Med/Surg.

Anyway, I would appreciate opinions! There are a few of my friends that would like some advice as well. I still plan on being an ICU nurse. I wasn't crazy about Med/Surg. But, I am open-minded...

[sirI]

Here are several threads on the same topic:

CCU:

Should I Get More Experience?

New Grad

Open Heart ICU

MICU/SICU:

Med/Surg to ICU

Any new grads regret starting in the ICU?

Good luck with the remainder of your nursing program and NCLEX. And, good luck with your future nursing decision(s).

[putmetosleep]

I started in SICU as a new grad. I'm not going to lie, it was scary as h*ll at first--but if you're a quick learner and truly enjoy critical care, you will get the hang of it quickly and it will become more enjoyable and less scary by the day. It takes about a year before you'll feel "comfortable", but for me I was able to care for my patients autonomously and safely by the end of my orientation (which was extensive). I am so glad I got the opportunity to start in ICU--I'd say with your externship experience you have a good idea what you'd be taking on, so if ICU is where you want to be, definitely go for it right away!! I have only floated to med/surg floors, but personally, wouldn't want to work there. ICU and floor work are totally different, and you'll need to learn new a whole new set of skills when you get to ICu anyhow, so I'd suggest just going for the ICU, esp if you've been given the opportunity. Good luck!!
Oh, and as for ICU nurses liking new grads--well, it just depends. Some ICU nurses really enjoyed having the fresh perspective and easily-moldable (don't think that's a word, haha) minds of new grads. Others seem to have it out for new grads, having a mindset that new grads don't "deserve" to be in the ICU without putting in med/surg time first, and seem to lack trust. It all depends, I'm sure you'll encounter both types. Just work hard and never stop asking questions!! I found that the more questions I asked, the more people trusted me.

[whitter]

Thank you SirI and putmetosleep.