Better off trying to get in out of school or get experience on med/surg?

Biffbradford · Feb 15, 2011

I went straight from school into a busy, stressful ICU and it was, quite frankly, baptism by fire! OMG. My advice is to don't feel that there is a rush, there will still be deathly ill patients for you to take care of a year from now, don't you worry about that. From what I've seen, the new hires that are all gung ho to see it all, do it all, learn it all as fast as they can, are usually the first ones to quit when it gets really hairy, and the nurses that take their time and gradually work their way into it, last the longest. FWIW.

SLP12 · Feb 17, 2011

From my experience, the new grad residencies accept very limited number into the ICUs and yes, most ICUs PREFER 1-2 years ICU experience when looking for new hires. However, it can be hard for units to find nurses applying with critical care experience, so it may just take right timing and finding the right place in need that would be willing to orient you to critical care.

I have worked on a medical/oncology floor for 2 years and just now started a new job in a CVICU. When interviewing, they had said that obviously if someone was interviewing that had ICU experience they would be obligated to give them the position. BUT they also said that those are sometimes hard to come by. Many people in CVICUs end up leaving to go to CRNA school and use CVICU experience as a bridge to get there. So there is a constant change in employment needs in these areas.

Honestly, I would 100% reccommend getting your med/surg experience first before jumping into critical care. It will get you familiar and comfortable with your basic skills, intuitions, and nursing care. I'm overwhelmed going into the ICU and have been working as an RN for two years. I cannot imagine going straight in after school. Plus, the management that you will learn working med/surg is necessary! Just because you work in critical care, does not mean you will not get pulled to other floors when there is need!! Some nurses that were pulled from ICU that have never worked anywhere BUT ICU, DROWNED with the change in pt load. Think about it....going from 1-2 pts to 5-7 pts?! Less critical, but a lot to handle especially without the management skills that you acquire working med/surg. I hope this helps a little! Good luck!

MemorialCCRN-CSC · Feb 22, 2011

From my experience, the new grad residencies accept very limited number into the ICUs and yes, most ICUs PREFER 1-2 years ICU experience when looking for new hires. However, it can be hard for units to find nurses applying with critical care experience, so it may just take right timing and finding the right place in need that would be willing to orient you to critical care.
I have worked on a medical/oncology floor for 2 years and just now started a new job in a CVICU. When interviewing, they had said that obviously if someone was interviewing that had ICU experience they would be obligated to give them the position. BUT they also said that those are sometimes hard to come by. Many people in CVICUs end up leaving to go to CRNA school and use CVICU experience as a bridge to get there. So there is a constant change in employment needs in these areas.
Honestly, I would 100% reccommend getting your med/surg experience first before jumping into critical care. It will get you familiar and comfortable with your basic skills, intuitions, and nursing care. I'm overwhelmed going into the ICU and have been working as an RN for two years. I cannot imagine going straight in after school. Plus, the management that you will learn working med/surg is necessary! Just because you work in critical care, does not mean you will not get pulled to other floors when there is need!! Some nurses that were pulled from ICU that have never worked anywhere BUT ICU, DROWNED with the change in pt load. Think about it....going from 1-2 pts to 5-7 pts?! Less critical, but a lot to handle especially without the management skills that you acquire working med/surg. I hope this helps a little! Good luck!

I have to agree with the above message. I worked a total of 5 years in a med/surg background with almost 3.5yrs as a travel med/surg nurse before moving to an ICU setting and I cant tell you how much those begining years benefited me down the road. And now after close to 12 years in critical care I still find myself seeking new learning opportunties and additional certifications to broaden my knowledge base. I for one don't feel that new grads should be allowed to work in an ICU setting right out of school. Even with the best orientation and preceptorships you cannot learn critical thinking skills that only come with time on the job. Being able to work in an environment that you will feel comfortable starting out will benefit you way more than being placed in a totally new and stressfull place. You will know the people that will help you and lead you on your way to becoming that great nurse you plan on becoming.

chordringer · Feb 22, 2011

You know what, I hear far too many people saying that you need Med/Surg experience before going to the unit and I have to say that I disagree. I think working in a Step-Down unit or something that will give you higher acuity of patient, along with some telemetry and limited drips experience, would be a good starter for someone more motivated. Also, the hybrid nature of that kind of unit will give you a feel of Med/Surg in a less intense fashion.

It's up to your desires. Know your pathophysiology. That's the best advice I can offer.

Cheers,

Jason, RN