new grads in critical areas

begalli · Feb 15, 2005

YES! with the proper orientation and support.

KimberRN1 · Feb 15, 2005

Should new graduates be able to work in critical care areas(ie:ICU,ER) without experience?

I did!

icyounurse, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2005

i did too. but i had a good orientation which included 4 weeks of classes and 12 weeks of following different rn's. knew a nurse who graduated with me and went to a different hospital to work in their icu, after 2 days of classes and 2 weeks of following someone they let her off orientation. she was horribly overwhelmed and failed her boards. after she passed them 2nd time around, went to work at my hospital on the floor. i think a long orientation is imperative for new grads in critical care[or anywhere!!!]

BETSRN · Feb 15, 2005

i did too. but i had a good orientation which included 4 weeks of classes and 12 weeks of following different rn's. knew a nurse who graduated with me and went to a different hospital to work in their icu, after 2 days of classes and 2 weeks of following someone they let her off orientation. she was horribly overwhelmed and failed her boards. after she passed them 2nd time around, went to work at my hospital on the floor. i think a long orientation is imperative for new grads in critical care[or anywhere!!!]

New grads should accept NOTHING LESS THAN 12 weeks of orientation. Let's give our new colleagues a chance to feel comfortable.

RN4BABES · Feb 15, 2005

Should new graduates be able to work in critical care areas(ie:ICU,ER) without experience?

Yes, with proper orientation! I was a new grad in 1989 and started working in the NICU after 8 weeks of orientation. I notice over the years, the orientation has become longer which is great. I agree with the 12 week comment.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 15, 2005

I am very happy to see the above responses to the original question. So often, people either think "yes" or "no" to such questions instead of really thinking the issue through. As the posts above suggest, it's not a simple "yes" or "no" issue. The answer depends upon a lot of factors -- the personal strength and preparation of the new grad, the type of orientation and support offered by the unit, and whether or not the unit is accustomed to working with new grads and can meet their needs even beyond orientation.

Under the right circumstances, new grads can do just fine in an ICU environment. However, with the wrong circumstances, it can be a disaster. Assessing the actual situation is what is most important.

llg

SJSU_Mami · Feb 15, 2005

I am starting a brand new "RN Residency" in a couple of weeks. Its in the NICU, and I've read that it is a program started at Children's Hospital LA which is being adapted into hospitals all over the country.

http://www.childrenshospitalla.org/12428.cfm

http://www.childrenshospitalla.org/body.cfm?id=335

I was hesistant to start in the NICU, but the manager informed me about the 22 week program and how they focused on the new grad developing a solid comfort level and that we wouldn't be thrown out into the unit to hold our own.. we are assigned a preceptor as well as a mentor nurse to discuss our concerns with throughout the orientation.

I can't wait until the program starts! RN residencies like this show positive results for new grads beginning in critical areas.

tridil2000, MSN, RN · Feb 15, 2005

Should new graduates be able to work in critical care areas(ie:ICU,ER) without experience?

yes!

i did too(1987).

we had to be recommended by our senior professor though and we had 12 weeks of orientation. it was a great!

RN4BABES · Feb 16, 2005

I am very happy to see the above responses to the original question. So often, people either think "yes" or "no" to such questions instead of really thinking the issue through. As the posts above suggest, it's not a simple "yes" or "no" issue. The answer depends upon a lot of factors -- the personal strength and preparation of the new grad, the type of orientation and support offered by the unit, and whether or not the unit is accustomed to working with new grads and can meet their needs even beyond orientation.
Under the right circumstances, new grads can do just fine in an ICU environment. However, with the wrong circumstances, it can be a disaster. Assessing the actual situation is what is most important.
llg

I agree with you. After the 12 weeks orientation in our unit, the new staff person has to have a 3 month probation period as well. That's usually where they "sink or swim", so to speak. I can always tell the people that will last....they always ask questions when they aren't sure. It's the quiet ones who scare me! Generally we all look after one another so we've had very few new grads quit after/during orientation.

elizabells, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2005

I am starting a brand new "RN Residency" in a couple of weeks. Its in the NICU, and I've read that it is a program started at Children's Hospital LA which is being adapted into hospitals all over the country.
http://www.childrenshospitalla.org/12428.cfm
http://www.childrenshospitalla.org/body.cfm?id=335
I was hesistant to start in the NICU, but the manager informed me about the 22 week program and how they focused on the new grad developing a solid comfort level and that we wouldn't be thrown out into the unit to hold our own.. we are assigned a preceptor as well as a mentor nurse to discuss our concerns with throughout the orientation.
I can't wait until the program starts! RN residencies like this show positive results for new grads beginning in critical areas.

I'm really glad to hear about this. I'm about to start a direct entry program culminating in an Neonatal NP, and while I'm psyched about the program, the idea of three years of school enabling me to jump in and provide that level of care is frankly ridiculous. I'm glad to know there are solutions to these problems.