Another New Grad Nurse Dilemma: critical care nursing in IL.

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Hello, everybody!

The question I have is rather redundant and probably have been asked thousand times, but nevertheless I still want fresh responses. My passion is to become a critical care nurse, but of course considering today's market it's nearly impossible to get a job in a hospital, much less in a critical care unit. But I am not the one who gives up, that is why I am here to ask for your advice.

I graduated with an ADN with academic honors in March, 2014, and was licensed in June, 2014. I made a huge mistake not to work as a CNA during schooling. The only CNA job i was offered in a hospital was in conflict with my clinicals, so I had to let it go. After that I didn't have any interview opportunities. So, ultimately I don't have any hospital experience. To compensate that I obtained ACLS, PALS, TNCC, and currently working on my EMT-basic. I want to volunteer for a hospital, but they don't even respond to that.

I am also going to continue my education this summer and plan on getting my BSN within a year.

My question is should I continue searching or should I take what I am often offered (utilization review, post-acute, rehab, nursing homes) and continue searching. I heard mixed opinions about that, that is why I want to hear what critical care nurses think. Are there any other nursing jobs other than the ones in a hospital setting that could improve my chances of being even considered for the position. I am not as concerned about finding a job, as I am concerned about having an opportunity to improve my chances of being a critical nurse either now or later. What would you recommend?

PS I tried to network, and met a lot of nice people but so far no tangible results.

Thank you!

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I would take a job that would help to get you whatever you need to become a CCRN, and take the national exam. Once you get your EMT-B, see about then going on to your paramedic. See if that qualifies you for CC skills to become certified. In the meanwhile, I would go for more community small hospitals, see if you could get a position there. Otherwise, you may have to wait until you have your BSN.

As an EMT, you can and should be involved in going on ambulance calls. This way, you become familiar with ER's all over your area. Then, when you have established yourself, speak with the ED manager about your goals, and see if that gets you anywhere.

Best wishes.

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Thank you very much for your response. That is exactly the reason why I am working on my EMT, so I could compensate my lack of experience and hopefully either volunteer or get a job on an ambulance.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

You don't always land where you want as a new grad, despite best efforts. I landed in ICU despite wanting L&d. It sounds like your resume is great and you have already had job offers, which is more than many new grads can say. Take the most acute job you've been offered and put in a year there. You'll be a great ICU nurse once you get where you wanna go because you'll have some experience.

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How did you land there? How did you even get in? I didn't have a single call from a hospital, although I have applied to hundreds of jobs not necessary in ICU, and nothing, but sad silence.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Luck, and a unit with high turnover that likes to hire new grads. Not the norm.

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Specializes in Hospice.

EMT skills can come in very handy in many areas of nursing. I would think this to be especially true in critical care. Granted, EMS uses different theory than nursing, but there is a time and place for everything.

My EMS background came in very handy in LTC and even now in Hospice...

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I live in Baltimore. I just graduated with my ADN in December. Enrolling in a BSN program is a very wise move! I am in Penn State's RN to BSN online program. Like you, I did not work as a CNA during school, however the fact that I am already working on my BSN really seemed to help me land my first job - and it's in the ICU!!! What I did was look for hospitals who offered new grad nurse residency programs. These programs are tailored to help new graduates transition into the role of professional nurse. The hospital that I will be working at offers this program in the ICU, the ER, Orthopedics, and the Cardiology Unit. Here in Baltimore, the programs usually coincide with graduation times. They are offered in March and August to give new grads enough time to pass the NCLEX beforehand. Best of luck to you!!

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This!!!!! Look for hospitals with nurse residency programs. I also landed a job in the ICU because of that, otherwise I don't see a new grad nurse being that lucky

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I sent my resume to a small town hospital with a letter noting my desire to be an ICU nurse. They did not have any openings anywhere. Two weeks later I got a call from the Director of Emergency Services/ICU and they wanted to interview me for an ICU position. Now I do have a past medical history as a Navy Corpsman 28 years ago so this may have helped. During the interview they wanted me to tell them a little about myself and I told them that I am NOT afraid to speak up if I am not familiar with something or if I did not know something. They absolutely loved this response and told be with that attitude I would make a great nurse. They dislike the nurses that think they know everything. I also told them of my passion to be an ICU nurse. I would keep applying and not worry too awful enough about experience because the normal orientation for ICU nurse is between 3 to 5 months. I was told I would be notified in a couple of weeks with their decision. I do have a couple of things going for me; I am male, I have past Navy experience.

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I know the job search is very discouraging as a New Grad, but dont give up!! I recently accepted a New Grad position in the ICU after (what seemed like) thousands of applications, phone calls, and a few interviews. It definitely IS POSSIBLE!! it sounds like you have been very proactive with your certifications and although you dont have the work experience, you show motivation and ambition. Hang in there and keep being persistent. It is possible!! Good luck!

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You said you are in IL. Are you near Chicago?

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