Do I have a decent shot at getting an ICU job as a new grad?

Good Morning, Gil · Sep 21, 2011

I would think having EMT experience should certainly set you apart. Bear in mind, should; I'm not the hiring manager lol. You already have applicable experience and definitely showed that you were able to handle stress, etc...just make sure you put that in a prominent area on your resume, etc.

But, it all comes down to location. If the hospitals in your area aren't willing to hire a new grad into the ICU, then it won't happen (unless you can convince them to hire you). But, if they do hire new grads, then you have a good shot. Or, you can always relocate to an area that has new grad programs in ICU's (if that's possible for you). I'm not familiar with NYC hiring practices...maybe you could check out the NY forum or call the nurse managers in your area. Good luck!

hockeynpolo · Sep 21, 2011

I was a new grad last year and interviewed for 2 critical care new grad programs. I was accepted to both. Now I'm 1 year out of nursing school with 1 year of medicine and cardiac ICU experience under my belt. It most certainly is possible!

detroitdano · Sep 23, 2011

It's definitely possible, I was a new grad hire too, although I had experience in the same hospital as an extern for two years.

Like mentioned, make that EMT experience work for you in your resume and (hopefully) interview. It's a high stress job working in the ICU, relate the two however it works best for you.

My assistant manager recently told me we no longer hire new grads in our particular ICU. Kinda stinks. Glad I got in when I did!

stacia77 · Sep 24, 2011

I was a new grad last year and interviewed for 2 critical care new grad programs. I was accepted to both. Now I'm 1 year out of nursing school with 1 year of medicine and cardiac ICU experience under my belt. It most certainly is possible!

Congratulations!!!

May I ask where you got the new grad offer into the ICU? Im a new nurse for a year now Med Surg/Tele and am looking for ICU!

SdickersonRN · Oct 1, 2011

It is deff possible! I recently graduated from a BSN program in may! I got hired on in an SICU in Jackson ms before I graduated I have been working there for three months and just started working on my own! I will tell you that if you do get hired on it is very stressful coming freah out of school because there is so much to learn that you never had the opportunity to learn in school! I can tell you that I have learned more in the last three months than I ever did in school! So it is very rewarding if you land an icu job! Good luck to you! Keep us updated

Kitesurfing bum · Oct 3, 2011

Totally possible. Not easy though. Hard work and perseverance. I was recently hired onto an ICU via a Versant Residency program. It has been a great program and really has boosted my confidence. I think a structured program of some sort is necessary for a new grad to start in critical care. I'm in WA state. Good luck to you... Sell yourself in your interviews!

NurseBatzy · Oct 3, 2011

I agree, it's not only possible, it's likely. A word of advice though: do your research! I was hired as a new grad into an ICU not too long ago. It was easy! It was the first job I applied to, and my interview took all of 10 minutes. I was hired on the spot! Unfortunately, I should have seen those red flags. I was hired onto a unit that was so desperate for RNs, they didn't care who they hired. They can't keep anyone around except for a few of the older/experienced nurses who will never leave, and they don't like new grads! The doctors don't like new grads either, which exacerbates the problem of nurses leaving, which leads to more brand new RNs being hired who are being trained by new RNs, and the cycle continues.

I won't tell you not to try for the ICU, it's fantastic, and it's what I want to do as well. Just be careful! Look around the unit, get a feel for the experience level, find out who will train you, and ask about turn-over rate. ICU nursing is wonderful, but not so great when the unit is crumbling around you, or when you were kicked off orientation early because they need you to work overtime. Then it is your fault when you don't know something that they never taught you.

Good Luck!

rietan01 · Oct 4, 2011

I was just hired on a ICU unit and start this week. I graduated in May. I live in Indiana. I really didn't think I had a chance but after two interviews and a job shadow I was hired :-) I can't wait to start. So yes it's possible. I just have my ASN too but I am getting my BSN and let them know that. Load you resume with stuff that will make you stand out. The resume and interview are times you should brag on yourself.

RW23RN, BSN, RN · Oct 8, 2011

I started in an ICU as a new grad and worked out great, so I think you'll be fine! Just a word of advice though, keep your EMT experience in mind but try to see the ICU with fresh eyes. I worked with an ICU nurse, former EMT, and all she did was compare everything we were doing in the ICU to her EMT experience and tell us how much better we could be doing everything-it was exhausting! I am glad though that I had some ER experience as a tech before the ICU, it acclimated me to stressful situations and made me a pro at chest compressions-which I did a lot of at first until they thought I had enough experience to take ACLS.