Internship in ICU

TheDude,RN · Dec 24, 2003

Melanie

Im not sure why no one replied to your thread. My name is Seth and I just graduated from a BSN program in North Carolina. I had a preceptorship in ICU just recently before graduation. This is definitely where I need to be working! I think you are going to love it. I have to tell you that I just got done interviewing last week with the ICU Nurse Manager and the work I did while interning there has landed me the job. You are right about the constant monitoring, but the beauty of this is that most if not all patients are hooked up to teimetry machines that record vital signs, output, temperature etc all day and night. When you want to record or check, you simply print out their info and write it down. I had several patients that required my undivided attention. This job makes for a very fast shift, before you know it the shift is over. During my interview , I was asked things like

1 Why do you want to work in the ICU?

2 What are your strengths and weaknesses?

3 Define Coworker

4 Detail a situation in which you went above and beyond the call of duty

I think that you will like the ICU, feel free to PM me if you have furthur questions, striking avatar, is that you?

LilRedRN1973 · Dec 24, 2003

Thanks for the response! I actually had my interview moved up to last Thursday and they did ask all those questions you posted, and then some. My interview lasted almost an hour and went really well. They called me the next day to let me know I got the job! I'm thrilled and scared at the same time. I will have a 4 week orientation in the ICU to become familar with my duties. After that, I will be assisting 13-14 nurses (a glorified "gopher"). I'm really looking forward to the job and like you, am hoping that my experience as a Nurse Apprentice in the ICU will eventually lead to a job as an RN once I'm finished with school.

And to answer your question, yes, that's little ol' me in the pic!

Yellow Rose RN · Dec 24, 2003

I just graduated my ADN program last week and was interviewed today and got the job for a Nurse intern (until I get my permit to work as a GN). I am excited and nervous too. It is nice to hear some positive comments from those who have been there!

kc ccurn · Dec 24, 2003

RNnTraining1973

You are not just a glorified gopher! Good luck with your new job. Ask lots of questions and get in on any procedures. If the nurses know you are interested and willing to learn/do/see/help, you stand an excellent chance of being the one they hire when you are out of school. You will already know how their system works, the people, etc.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Dec 25, 2003

Great going, Mel!

Very envious. Sounds like a super learning opportunity in a field dear to my heart.

Show 'em you care and that you're trustworthy, and you'll be in upon graduation. Wishing you much luck!

Let us know how it's going after a month on the job.

LilRedRN1973 · Dec 27, 2003

Thanks! I will definitely keep ya'll posted how it's going. I'm really getting excited. I have my orientation on Monday (for new hires) and then my clinical orientation on Friday. I can't wait to start working in the hospital. I'm still having to pinch myself. I absolutely love being in and around hospitals. The sights, sounds, and smells.....am I weird? :rolleyes: