Advice for where a new grad RN should start out please...

[AJ BSN 2008]

Hello all. I just graduated from nursing school in December 2008 and am waiting to take my NCLEX so I can finally begin working as an RN. I am currently employed at a nearby community hospital on a tele unit as a patient care tech while I pass the time and plan on applying for a RN position for the same unit I work on. I also have an interview coming up next week at another prestigious hospital for the neuro ICU. I'm super excited and nervous for this interview since working in an ICU is my ultimate goal. I'm just wondering if starting out in neuro ICU is the best area to start in for a new grad like myself. I know that getting tele experience is a good stepping stone for moving on to ICU later down the road. I just want to know if I would get a broader base in a tele unit as opposed to the neuro ICU right out of school. Thanx :)

[cak1219]

Start in a Med/Surg unit. This will teach you about time management and will give you a large variety of patients (and a great solid knowledge base). Once you've manage 5-6 patients, you can do anything.

I started in a cards PCU tele unit with 3 patients only. Then I moved and the only job I could get was on a Med/Surg unit. I was struggling because my time management skills weren't as good the other nurses and I didn't have as large of knowledge base. Now I'm working in the ICU and I think my time on the busy med/surg floor was the best learning experience.

Do a year in med/surg then specialize.

[Rene3]

Good day,

You can start working on your current employer and even on your own unit , Im sure you are familiar by now of the set up. You can inquire about the competencies of your unit required of you. How soon can you accomplish all of those? How are you going to be oriented to your new role? You can also ask your units nurse educator for an advise, they should know of your units needs. After you have accomplished all the competencies of a tele unit, you can work on the competencies for an ICU. Try cross traing. Once you are comfortable of the added pressure, thats the time to go to move on.

[rnicare]

I agree with Cak1219 above. It is good to do a year of med/surg in order to gain time management and organizational skills. You will be exposed to caring for a number of patients with various conditions. You can always build on the knowledge that you gain and specialize. Good luck with your new job.