Nursing School Graduation Approaches - Is aiming for critical care too presumptuous?

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The realization of the dream is approaching rapidly and the NCLEX looms; clinicals and precepting have given me some great exposure to critical care nursing. At this early stage of my career is it arrogant or flippant to aim for a position working in an Emergency Department and eventually as a flight nurse on an air ambulance service? I have no illusions about how green I will be as a new grad and I don't want to bite off more than I can chew but I would be lying if I denied that Emergency Care is definitely where my interest lies. Frankly my first goal as a new nurse will be to develop competency and a solid foundation of skills but I also feel that it is good to have long-term career planning. I would humbly appreciate any feedback or guidance I can get from veteran nurses, ER or otherwise. Thanks!

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Specializes in ICU / Urgent Care.

You can't ever aim too high. Hope that answers your question. Go for it, what's the worst they can say? (Psst, it's the same answer as if you never tried in the first place.)

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It's possible if you're in a good market or willing to move. You make a good first impression, by the way.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

As a new grad I started off in the Emergency Department and it's now 6 years later with an MSN and FNP-BC. In my current hospital there are new grad programs for RNs in the ED, ICU, etc. My first job there wasn't a new grad program, but orientation was longer than would be if I was an experienced nurse.

Related to your career goal, some of my friends that are flight nurses started in the ED, good luck!

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Thank you, I appreciate it. I am thrilled and terrified about the prospect of being a nurse in less than three months and I want to ensure that I don't let my ambitions outrun my skills or my love of learning from the veteran nurses I'll be looking up to!

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