[caffine]

This might be a dumb question ( if so i apologize in advance) but after receiving a bsn is one qualified to work in ICU directly after graduation or is there some additional schooling required to work in that area? And if there is additional schooling how long is it?

Thanks for the help

[EmeraldNYL]

You can work in an ICU with a BSN or an ADN. It used to be that new grads couldn't start in the ICU-- they were required to get at least a year of med-surg experience first. But, times have changed, and with the nursing shortage, most ICU's will hire a new grad. Just make sure you get a good long orientation (I'd say at least 3 months for a new grad) as well as the opportunity to attend a hospital-sponsored critical care course.

[gaspassah]

i agree, some out of hospital (Ie Nursing Knowledge inc. in metarie, louisiana was a good i used) training for icu. it was only didactic but it was a good source of learning info.
but you can't beat on the job learning either....only problem is, there is very little room for error. so yes like emerald said, make sure you get ample orientation and dont hesitate to ask for more if you feel you need it.
d

[duckboy20]

The icu I worked in we did a two week critical care coarse. This was for anyone that got hired into the unit. It helped out tremendously. As far as further schooling at an institution there is no need.

[iy0ga]

is it better to wait to go to ICU unitl you have your BSN degree? or would you guys recommend joining the unit after a AS degree? Thats what im still thinking aobut now, im enrolled now nursing at a cc but im wondering if i should directly finish my BSN degree or go to ICU then back to BSN degree.

[UCDSICURN]

iyoga,

If it were me and I could do it over again, I would knock out the BSN right away instead of working. I'm working full time now, working on my BSN and I'm married with a daughter. That's a full plate with very little time for anything but one of the three.

The nursing shortage isn't going away any time soon and there will be more than enough jobs waiting for you when you're done.

Donn C.