[FaithIn40]

I am looking to become a CRNA in the future. How much time does a new RN graduate have to have on the floor before moving into Critical Care?

[ChristineN]

Depending where you are, none. Alot of my classmates were hired straight into the ICU as new grads.

[2bestrong]

On my unit, we've hired 12 new grads over the past 4 months.
No such thing as needing 'floor time' before critical care. You can start in the critical care setting right out of school. I did, and that was 3 yrs ago.
Best of luck.

[WolfpackRed]

Again, another new grad that started in critical care over a year ago, would not have done it differently.

[tree22_RN]

I am a manager of a SICU and a CVICU, 26 years ago I was hired into intensive care right after graduation, and have not left that arena. We offer fellowships to senior nursing students that start in March and go through the end of May before graduation at a school that is affiliated with the hospital. This fellowship means that the individuals will have a position in the unit upon successful NCLEX exam.
It helps to integrate the new grad into the unit and cut down on the orientation time needed. Instead of 12 weeks of orientation we give a minimum of 8. This is the first year and I have 2 fellows in SICU, so we will see what their evaluation of the process is by the end of august when they are expected to be off orientation.
So far they have given very positive feedback.

[baceball6]

I grad in May, my first job after school is SICU

I know it will be tough to learn it all really quick, but I think if a person wants something bad enough, then he/she can do it

[CrazyPremed]

I don't think that there is a definate answer on this one.

I'm a new RN grad in the ICU, but I worked as an LPN on a busy tele floor for almost a year before I stepped into the unit.

I love it, but would have crashed and burned if I didn't have the floor experience before. I think that all depends on your prior medical experience, and what level of stress you want at your first job out of school. Also, you have to take into consideration what type of training the ICU can offer you, and how sick (acuity) the patients are.

With that said, I feel like I learn a week's worth of tele knowledge in a day in the ICU. It's a big step up, and I wouldn't have grown as fast if I would have stayed on the tele floor. I completely understand why some APN programs want at least a year of ICU experience - there is so much to learn.

Do new grads start in ICU's all over the country - of course! But if a new grad is going to struggle, critical care is the worst place to do it...

CrazyPremed

[AngeinJax]

Another new grad hired into ICU. I graduated in May and was hired to an MSICU floor as a GN. I have no previous hospital experience, as I was in the business world before going to nursing school. I interview and sell myself well and was told through a friend that the NM and Director liked hiring new grads and that the floor has a young population (I am 32 so I am not actually referring to 21 yo.) I have been in orientation for 6 weeks and I have only 6 more weeks to go. It is really hard, but I don't know that I would have it any other way. If you are looking to go straight in, look for a floor that has a long orientation/preceptorship program. That way you will get the preparation that some feel you get from working med/surg for a year. At my hospital, when you accept a position, you can't post out for a year. Choose that first job wisely! Good Luck!

[cardiacRN2006]

Originally Posted by WolfpackRed

Again, another new grad that started in critical care over a year ago, would not have done it differently.

Same here. Can't imagine working anywhere else. I started in ICU and plan on staying.

[NurseHirzRN]

I started in MICU right after I got my TPP and have just passed my NCLEX, right before actually starting on the unit. Do to having to pass a hospital administered basic arrhythmies test and a critical care test.