[MzNC6]

I plan to move to PA after graduating from nursing school (BSN).

Can anybody tell me which hospital(s) in PA have the best ICU experience for new grad?

[ghillbert]

What type of ICU experience? There are many specialties, not necessarily at the same hospitals.

In Pittsburgh, for cardiothoracic ICU, you need to be at UPMC Presbyterian CTICU - transplant, cardiac surgery, VADs, IABPs.

[Brian F]

yea I agree, it all depends on what type of ICU experience you want? there are many different type of ICU's. If you go to a trauma center you can have truama ICU, transition trauma units, neuroscience ICU, MICU, SICU and the list goes on and on. Burn centers are also nconsidered ICU in a sense because you need critical care to work in them. I work in the ER and we need critical care as well and take care of ICU patients. All depends what you want to do, sound to me you are looking for ICU experience to go on to CRNA school ? a regular MSICU would be fine but anytihng over and above would be a plus.

[K98]

I can't comment on Philly, but if you are looking for ICU experience in Pittsburgh, any of the large hospitals in the city would likely provide good experience. UPMC Presby and Mercy have a good selection of ICUs, as does AGH. AGH is expanding their SICU from 16 to 30 beds due to the increase in heart, liver, and lung transplants. Checks the various health system websites for openings.

[MzNC6]

I'm interested in MICU, SICU, trauma ICU... but I'm open to others

I was just wondering which hospitals in PA hire new grads into their ICU. I know most want you to have some experience before you start working in the ICU. However, I rather just start out in an ICU.

Thanks for the replies so far!

[K98]

Originally Posted by MzNC6

I'm interested in MICU, SICU, trauma ICU... but I'm open to others

I was just wondering which hospitals in PA hire new grads into their ICU. I know most want you to have some experience before you start working in the ICU. However, I rather just start out in an ICU.

Thanks for the replies so far!

Most of the staff on the SICU where I work started there as new grads. Oddly enough, new grads seem to do better in that environment than RNs with experience in other areas. The newer nurses are given assignments more appropriate to their skill level (mostly chronic patients/frequent fliers). As you gain more experience you will take care of transplant patients, ECMO, VADs, patients with multiple drips (6+). These are known as "sick singles". Don't let being a new grad scare you away from the ICU.