Anyone who works at MGH?

Burn-Unit-RN · Aug 24, 2012

Typically MGH will only accept RNs who already have ICU experience. What is your nursing background? If you're not already an ICU nurse, I would try to transfer units at your current facility first and then reapply to MGH in a year. The hospital also just opened a new trauma/transplant ICU last fall and have been gradually hiring both internal candidates and well as outside nurses with ICU experience. Unfortunately, most of those positions have already been filled. Likewise, positions posted get hundreds of applications when they are only trying to fill one vacant position. Therefore, you have to make sure your resume is the shining star of the bunch. If you really have a strong desire to work there, I suggest applying for a position on one of the general care units first, and moving to an ICU later in your career. Hope this helps a little.

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Aug 24, 2012

Thanks for the reply! I've been working on a vascular surgical unit for almost the past 6 years. I know that they hire mostly internal candidates with ICU experience......when I applied it stated that it was preferred but not required. So I thought maybe I would have a chance. It's tough though! It does make sense to just move on to an ICU at my current hospital but no positions at this time. I'm just getting burnt out and need a change. Thanks again for you reply!:)

PediLove2147, BSN, RN · Sep 8, 2012

My friend just applied and got an interview for the Neuro ICU. She has no prior ICU experience.. not sure if she got the job yet but it means they don't ONLY look for ICU experience. Keep applying! :)

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Sep 9, 2012

Thanks for the reply PediLove2147! I haven't heard anything from MGH so I'm assuming I wasn't considered. Does your friend work at MGH?

ivyleaf · Sep 19, 2012

Hi! Haven't posted in a long while, but just looking for some advice. I have been a nurse for 6 years and work in a surgical floor. I've always wanted to work at MGH and noticed they had a couple of positions in the ICU- ICU is where I want to work eventually. I applied to the cardiac ICU and neuro ICU as they had openings. I have applied to MGH in the past and it seems almost impossible to get a job there! I applied to the cardiac ICU 3 weeks ago and the neuro ICU almost a couple of weeks ago and haven't heard anything back yet. Anyone have any advice??? I applied as an external candidate and I understand they give preference mostly to internal candidates. Thanks!

I just started a job at MGH in case management as an external candidate. I had 5 yrs experience in my specialty and had an interview for a per diem position. 2-3 wks later I got a call-- the full-time person in my had specialty resigned, and I got a 2nd interview before the job was even posted-- good timing, I guess!! Would you be willing to start per diem or in another area in the hospital? Or try another Partners hospital like NSMC, BWH, NWH, Faulkner? Employees from all are considered "internal" applicants in the online application system.

DolphinRN84, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Sep 27, 2012

Thanks for the post ivyleaf! Unfortunately can't afford to work per diem right now. Still haven't heard anything from either position but noticed a position in the cardiac surgical step down unit and went ahead and applied. I love cardiac and if I can't get into the cardiac surgical ICU now, the step down unit would be a good opportunity. Now comes the waiting game again!

PediLove2147, BSN, RN · Sep 27, 2012

Thanks for the post ivyleaf! Unfortunately can't afford to work per diem right now. Still haven't heard anything from either position but noticed a position in the cardiac surgical step down unit and went ahead and applied. I love cardiac and if I can't get into the cardiac surgical ICU now, the step down unit would be a good opportunity. Now comes the waiting game again!

My friend interviewed for the neuro ICU at the end of August, she found out a week or so that she didn't get the job so I think they have staffed that unit. Good luck though and I hope you get the cardiac step-down interview! That would definetely be a good starting point if you want to end up in the ICU. And I know the waiting game, it sucks! Haha.

sbostonRN · Sep 28, 2012

It's my dream to work at MGH as a nurse too. I worked there for several years in a non-nursing role and as a new grad, was told to leave and get nursing experience and then come back. Getting in as an external candidate is SO hard! I definitely see a difference from my search as an internal candidate. My best advice is to keep trying, and use your resources if you know someone who works there. They have less than a 2% vacancy rate at any given time because they attract the top people from around the country.