Can I get into the ICU?

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Specializes in CTICU.

Hello all!

I have been working on a surgical intermediate telemetry unit for 6 months now. Is it unrealistic to think I can apply for ICU positions and get a job now? I live in Chicago, so many trauma 1 level hospitals with high acuity patients. I have applied to a few already at a different hospital and got rejected from two. Do you think it’s a resume problem or simply due to the fact that I’ve only been working 6 months? I’ll obviously wait a year if I can’t get a job, but should I stop applying now and just be patient or keep applying with the hopes of getting an interview? Also, do you think my own hospital would consider taking me as an internal transfer at 6 months? Im afraid to ask anyone at work since I don’t want my manager to know I’m looking for something else. What are your thoughts? Be honest haha

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Specializes in ICU.

I’m in Chicago too. If you’re trying for level one trauma centers and trying at the nicer hospitals (Northwestern, Rush, any union hospital here) you will have a harder time. I got into ICU with 7-8 months cardiac/neuro tele experience, but my hospital is a little smaller and not a trauma center. Needless to say it’s provided me amazing experience with amazing coworkers and I’m learning so much.

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Specializes in CTICU.

Can I ask what hospital you work at?

9 hours ago, RN_atlast said:

I’m in Chicago too. If you’re trying for level one trauma centers and trying at the nicer hospitals (Northwestern, Rush, any union hospital here) you will have a harder time. I got into ICU with 7-8 months cardiac/neuro tele experience, but my hospital is a little smaller and not a trauma center. Needless to say it’s provided me amazing experience with amazing coworkers and I’m learning so much.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Changing specialties isn't as easy now as it used to be. You will likely have better luck if you get into the ICU at the institution you current work at and then stay there for a couple of years. After that, you will be a more competitive candidate across the board.

Start by seeing if the manager of the ICU would let you come shadow for a day or two on your days off. While there doing that, build relationships and connections - be a person they would want to work with. Then apply when they have an opening.

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Specializes in critical care ICU.

Hello,

I came from a telemetry/intermediate care before I switched to a medical ICU. I stayed at tele for 2 years before applying for ICU. I found that it gave me enough time to really get my assessment/basic nursing skills up to par to handle a critical care environment. I believe it helped me. You don't necessarily have to wait 2 years, but it may be beneficial to wait until you hit 1 year from my experience.

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