New Grads in Specialty areas

[Daisy]

I would like to hear some thoughts on new grads working in ICUs or ERs right out of school. Our small hospital is resorting to hiring new grads and it scares me. I have worked in Med/Surg for over 25 years and I have precepted many new RNs to work on the Med/Surg units. It takes most of them more than two or three years to feel really confident at the bedside making sound decisions.I had a experience getting a report from a new grad ER nurse who I coached through the assessment.She said to me that I asked a lot of questions.What kind of preparations are these new grads getting to work in specialty areas?I shiver at the thought of being a patient there or anyone from my family.

[essarge]

I read this discussion with great interest. I am a nursing student but I am also an Ed Tech. I have learned a great deal while I have worked there and am confident that when I graduate that is where I want to be. The nurses are great, as are the docs. Any questions that I have had have been answered. I have learned meds, protocol, etc while I have been there. I also work trauma's when they come in (everything short of pushing/starting IVs and meds).

Now, the other side of the coin would be to hire someone in the ER without any experience whatsoever. On this I agree that YES, they need to work in a more organized/structured area for orientation for possibly up to a year to "get their feet wet". I have seen new grads in the ER and feel very bad for the ones without any experience. They become the scapegoat and most leave after only a short period due to stress. There are those, however, that do fine....but they are few and far between.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[MishlB]

Originally posted by Daisy

I would like to hear some thoughts on new grads working in ICUs or ERs right out of school. Our small hospital is resorting to hiring new grads and it scares me. I shiver at the thought of being a patient there or anyone from my family.

Resorting to?

Oh my! New grads must start somewhere, right? Sounds like you're not too confident in the experienced staff either, since an orientation phase would be mandatory anyway...