ICU after nursing school

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I would like to work in the ICU directly after graduating from nursing school. I heard that usually new graduates are not hired due to lack of experience. Does anyone know anything about this?

Thanks :confused:

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Specializes in OB.

I know some new grads that are working in ICU. I think it depends on the hospital and the area of the country that you are in. If they need ICU nurses bad enough they will hire new grads. You are going to have to sell yourself as someone that can handle ICU. Let your instructors know that is what you want to do after graduation and maybe they can get you some ICU experience. Thats what I did and I got some obsevation time in PICU. I couldn't do anything but observe, but it was awsome! I got to help with everything, I even got to do rounds with the Docs. I know that is something that I would like to do after graduation.

Good Luck!

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New Grads in ICU has come about due to the nursing shortage and it is a way to recruit. A year in a med surg situation gives you the basic instincts to know when a patient's condition changes before you have to think about what is going wrong. Who do you want caring for your Mom in the ICU, a new Grad?

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

In our area, it doesn't matter...new grad or not, you can be put into ICU or ER with no problem.

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

If you want to get some experience before you actually graduate, look into an intern/apprentice program. I will be doing an intern program at the hospital where I want to work. It's a 9 week intro during the summer months, then you have to work at least 12 hours a week during the last year of school, which you can do in one shift or break it up. They pay $13.05 an hour for the apprentice, so it will be a way to make some money as well as give me some experience before I'm a full fledged RN. I have to give back 2 years at that hospital, which for me is not a problem. I'm looking forward to getting all that experience before I actually being working as an RN.

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Just a thought when you mentioned having to give back 2 years to that hospital.

I'm applying for a scholarship at my local hospital with an agreement to work there two years after graduation. I spoke with a friend who is doing contract work making $35/hr (she's got exp.) and she told me in our area RNs are in such high demand that I could go to any hospital I wanted and they would "buy" my scholarship.

Just thinking out loud if this helps anyone.

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Thanks for the thoughts. I am applying for an ICU internship that will hopefully lead to a position by the time I graduate. If I do receive the internship, I will have to evaluate whether or not I have enough skill base to consider remaining there so soon after graduation. :)

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Originally posted by bamamomof4

Just a thought when you mentioned having to give back 2 years to that hospital.

I'm applying for a scholarship at my local hospital with an agreement to work there two years after graduation. I spoke with a friend who is doing contract work making $35/hr (she's got exp.) and she told me in our area RNs are in such high demand that I could go to any hospital I wanted and they would "buy" my scholarship.

Just thinking out loud if this helps anyone.

This deal doesn't sound like a scholarship..it sounds more like a loan that will be forgiven after you complete your time at the hospital you sign with..they offer this very thing where I live.

We have a "coalition" of 5 hospitals in the county that contribute to the college and pool their funds. These funds are available to any nursing student that wishes to use them. The deal is, if the hospital pays for 2 semesters or less, you owe one year of full time employment, if they pay for more than 2 semesters then you owe 2 years. If you do not sign a contract with one of the area hospitals within 30 days after your graduation, they set you up on a payment plan. If you do not repay the loan, then they will turn you into a collection agency, seal your transcripts, not allow you to register for anymore classes. I guess this is a way for the hospitals to recruit and retain.

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I'm a new grad working in ICU at a Level I Trauma center . I am getting a really long orientation and so far I absolutely love it!!

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I was also interested in going into ICU after graduation..but if I go and get some Med/Surg experience then go to ICU....will I still be given an orientation?? If not- I think I would rather go straight to ICU after school instead of being thrown out to the wolves after a year or so in Med/Surg.

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Specializes in OB.

You should get an orientation, however it may not be as long as your first one out of school. You should get some sort of orientation every time you change units.

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Originally posted by BarbPick

New Grads in ICU has come about due to the nursing shortage and it is a way to recruit. A year in a med surg situation gives you the basic instincts to know when a patient's condition changes before you have to think about what is going wrong. Who do you want caring for your Mom in the ICU, a new Grad? [/QUOTe

As opposed to a new grad in med surg or tele or labor and delivery... what a rotten attitude towards new grads. (unless I am misinterpreting you!)

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