Can I apply to jobs for units I have never been in?

[Nonetheless]

Hi Allnurses.

I am writing to ask if I should even bother applying to units I have never been to.

I really want to work in the ICU, but I only have experience in two ICU's: A general ICU I rotated through in nursing school, and a specialized ICU I preceptored in. I have never set foot in other specialized ICU's like Surgical ICU.

I am wondering if I should even bother with positions like Neuro ICU, if I haven't even been in one. Will jobs just kind of scoff at my application? Should I just apply to med/surg and the ICU I have been to?

Thanks!

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

You'll never work there if you don't apply! How will you get experience there unless you actually get hired? It's worth seeing if you get a response.

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

I would certainly have to agree... and the worst thing they can tell you is that you're not what they're looking for. So, you'll never get the job if you don't apply for it and if you do, they can still say "no" so what have you lost by trying? Nothing. It's all potentially gain for you.

[Nonetheless]

Thank you guys!!!!!!

I feel more encouraged now!!!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Sounds like you're a new grad, right? If so, any employer would expect to provide quite a bit of training for any specialty area. It's not like you're a completely blank slate. You do have core skills and nursing knowledge that will serve as a foundation for any type of nursing job.

[Nonetheless]

Sounds like you're a new grad, right? If so, any employer would expect to provide quite a bit of training for any specialty area. It's not like you're a completely blank slate. You do have core skills and nursing knowledge that will serve as a foundation for any type of nursing job.

I am *almost* a new grad...I graduate in 2 months!

Thank you for your advice! It is true, I will know the bare minimum when I graduate and that should be enough to open the door for me in various locations!

I feel better now!