How to transfer to acute care setting?

Nurses Career Support

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hello..i am a nurse currently working in a SNF/ICF for more than a year now and this is my first job as a Registered Nurse, but I am really interested in Critical Care and/or Emergency Dept.

Is there a way that I can increase my chances in getting in to those specialties with my experience with SNF/ICF?

SNF=Skilled nursing facility / nursing home, but what does ICF stand for?

Coming from a nursing home without any acute care experience, you'll most likely need to be hired on an acute care/ med-surg unit for awhile before seeking a transfer to a more critical-care area. You'll need acute care experience before expecting a spot in the ICU or ED.

Your experience in a longterm care unit does not increase your chances of any critical care hire, but experience in med-surg will. Apply there first.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
SNF=Skilled nursing facility / nursing home, but what does ICF stand for?
ICF = Intermediate Care Facility
ICF = Intermediate Care Facility

Ah, thanks.

Yep, try for a position in med-surg for the experience; you might get to transfer to one of those other units if you're a "star" or if there's not a line of more experienced people ahead of you.

Best of luck!

thanks for your responses..but how can i get into acute care setting like med-surg, if they always require 'acute care experience'?

my experience is not considered 'acute care'..that's the reason why i can't get into the hospital setting...

Specializes in Ambulatory Case Management, Clinic, Psychiatry.

I'm listening in... I'm in psych now and eventually want to get into ER. I'm applying for LTC/LTAC and geri med psych per diem positions to begin my transition...

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