Best starting point as a new nurse

zeus&lincoln · Oct 28, 2013

Your statement about being unable to be a GN on an intensive care unit is completely false. With the proper orientation program for new grads, new grads can be successful in these units. I have just started my new grad program in the NICU. In addition to me another one of my classmates is in the NICU and several others are in cardiac ICUs, multisystem ICUs and EDs. My hospital has a huge GN program and GNs have obviously been successful in these arenas if the hospital continues to accept new grads into the program. I think the key is to find GN programs with a lengthy orientation process that will help the new grad become successful! For example my program is a 18 week long orientation... With possibility for a 2 week longer extension. If you want something bad enough, don't sell yourself short. If there are no jobs in those units work on a PCU/step down, hone your skills and then go to the ICU... Many of my former classmates are PCU nurses and have had tons of amazing experiences on these floors! Just my 2 cents.

jamelewu · Oct 29, 2013

Thank you so much. It is so comforting and encouraging to hear your experience and opinion. That sounds like a very good orientation program. I agree that with an efficient orientation program and that much length of time new grads can be prepared to work any where in the hospital. Thank you

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Oct 31, 2013

I began in Neuro/Trauma ICU - LOVED it!!! ICU (all varieties) has been my clinical "home" throughout my career. I read recently that a huge percentage of new grads express a preference for working in critical care, but I wonder whether this is actually based in reality.

The reality? CC nurses have to be assertive in order to be effective. In order to be assertive, they have to be very confident in their clinical judgement & skills. There's no room for second-guessing, crowd-sourcing for answers or time to Google when your patient crashes. CC nurses have to learn very rapidly; therapies, meds, protocols, equipment, etc. are constantly changing & you have to keep up. There is a much greater level of exposure to 'unanticipated' patient deaths, including those that happen after you have struggled for days to keep the patient alive. It is not a warm and fuzzy place. For the most part, patients are too sick to even remember you when they recover.

But - for some of us - it's the ONLY place we want to work. Chances are, if an ICU hires new grads, they have an effective process for managing this transition program. If you're lucky enough to land an ICU job, go for it!

jamelewu · Oct 31, 2013

Great insight.. that is what i thought. thanks for sharing

nursecait · Nov 1, 2013

I just started on a CVU/ICU as my first job as a new grad, it's totally possible! As long as you have a good orientation time and an awesome preceptor. Your dreams are not out of reach :)

jamelewu · Nov 2, 2013

thanks . Good to know.