Any New Grads Working in the ICU or ED???

[LeLeeFNP]

Are there any new grads who are now working in critical care or the ED? If so where do you work? (what hospital and what city and state?) and how did you get the job? Any advice (FROM NEW GRADS WHO HAVE A JOB IN CRITICAL CARE OR ED) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[SteffersRN87, BSN, RN]

I am not exactly a new grade, but...

I started out in a medical/surgical ICU at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. I worked as a patient care tech for 3 years in nursing school with monitor experience. I graduated from a hospital-based diploma program. I worked in that ICU for 9 months and then decided ICU was too much lifting and stress. I know work on a short stay unit.

[AggieQT]

I'm a new grad in a pediatric ED.... I applied early in February and interviewed in early March to start working in June. There are several new grads in my unit and we all did the same thing and were told there were many more that applied for the positions that we eventually got. I think applying early was the biggest reason we were hired, other than that we all joke that we have no clue why we were chosen. But we are also all extremely gracious and happy that we were the ones to get the spots.

My strongest advice though would be to apply asap, have a nice professional resume, and dress professionally during the interview. Also, be excited about the job and the position when you interview. Good Luck!

[aCRNAhopeful]

I agree with the others, apply asap, work as a tech in the unit if possible, if thats not possible do internships or whatever you can to impress them. Much easier to get in if you do those steps

[LeLeeFNP]

I am already an RN. I graduated in May of 09. But i appreciate all of your advice thus far and welcome any other responses.

[PurifyMe]

I am a new grad in a pediatric ICU in Cincinnati, Ohio. I applied to the hospital for a Unit Coordinator position and had no idea it was in the PICU until the interview. I worked as a unit clerk for 1 yr while finishing nursing school. I let all the managers know that I wanted to work on the unit, applied almost 7 months before graduation, and landed a job.

[fiveofpeep]

I will start in surgical ICU after I graduate. I dont want to state the hospital though because this is a much smaller world than you might think it is. I interned there. I voiced my interest and enthusiasm. I applied early. I worked really hard on my resume and prepared for the interview. Good luck

[shoegalRN, RN]

I am a new grad precepting in the SICU, however, I got hired for MICU. I graduated in May 2009 with my BSN. Didnt start working until August 2009 and I am part of a New Grad Residency Program. I am at a Level I Trauma hospital.

Don't want to give more info than that on my place of employment.

[LeLeeFNP]

for those of you that do not want to list your employer for privacy reasons I understand. I am more interested in what areas of the country are hiring new grads in critical care/ED and if so how you were able to get the job in your opinion. For example was it that you already worked at that facility or in that unit or did you just apply with no experience or affiliation with the facility? Thank you.

[fiveofpeep]

for those of you that do not want to list your employer for privacy reasons I understand. I am more interested in what areas of the country are hiring new grads in critical care/ED and if so how you were able to get the job in your opinion. For example was it that you already worked at that facility or in that unit or did you just apply with no experience or affiliation with the facility? Thank you.

ok. california

I did the internship so I had the connections that way but I think I look good on paper with a 4.00, certifications and a good school. Im still getting hits from places who I applied to before I was offerred this position...so you dont always have to have connections

[LeLeeFNP]

a 4.0 is impressive

[shoegalRN, RN]

for those of you that do not want to list your employer for privacy reasons I understand. I am more interested in what areas of the country are hiring new grads in critical care/ED and if so how you were able to get the job in your opinion. For example was it that you already worked at that facility or in that unit or did you just apply with no experience or affiliation with the facility? Thank you.

I'm in MO.

I got my job really by word of mouth. My friend, who is a CRNA, knew the nurse manager of the ICU and put in a good word for me. I interviewed and got job offered 3 hours later on the same day. My hospital is hiring new grads in the ICU and ER via a new grad residency program, which I hear is very competitive.