Adult CCRN/PCCN for a Med Surg nurse?

[HelloM1M1]

Hi,

I'm a Med Surg/ Tele RN. I really want to land a job in the ICU, but I just don't know how to start, or how to stand out with my resume. So far, my experiences have been very mediocre. But I'm dying to learn more. I think ICU is the environment for me to thrive. With critical cases you have to really think into the physiology of every little thing, and I would love that very much.

Now, the question is, should I take the course offered by allnurses.com? I don't have any ICU experience. This class is a review series to obtain those certifications. Do you think it's worth spending $199 for something unattainable (the certification requires that you must have some kind of critical care experience) ? & do you think I'm fit for this class? Or would I be clueless from the beginning til the end with just a med surg background?

Also, any tips for this poor Med Surg nurse to gain a position in the ICU???

Thank you very much allnurses members!

[ronchelednik]

No don't spend the money. The best thing you can do is go straight to the ICU department , introduce yourself and speak to the nurse manager to the department. Tell this person your desire to be apart of the ICU team. Have an intro letter with a resume and hand to this person. Keep it brief and mention your a hard worker and a team player. Finish by saying, you would consider it a privilege if you were able to be part of the ICU team. Make your visit unannounced because because it gives a message that your not afraid to face a challenge. This will make you stand out. This is what my wife did and all I can say is she is working in a 28 bed ICU.