Can a new nursing grad get a critical care type job?

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So my end goal is to be a CRNA and as it seems every CRNA school requires at least one year of experience in critical care setting. However, after doing a small amount of research on critical care nursing jobs, every single one required (or preferred I'm not sure which) at least 6months-1year of experience in critical care. It almost made it seem like a loop... only people who have previously worked in critical care could get a job in critical care. Maybe this was just my location or maybe I missed the fine print where it was only "preferred" to have the experience. I was just wondering then, can a new nursing grad find a job in a critical care setting?

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You can find a new grad position in critical care. It depends on the area of the country you live in. I am a new grad in the ICU and I plan on CRNA like yourself. I relocated for this position. Are you willing to relocate?

I would recommend applying to new grad residency programs into the ICU. You can find these on hospital job websites, or indeed.com job search.

Critical care settings tend not to hire new grads, but if you're resourceful, you can find a way.

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Depending where to, I'd be willing to relocate to some areas. I'm currently in the DFW area. Also what about as a new grad with an ADN rather than a BSN? Of course to get into CRNA school a BSN is required, but I may end up doing my local community college's ADN program for fear of not getting accepted into a universities traditional BSN program. This would also allow me to possibly accrue the critical care experience while working on my BSN. I could then apply immediately after getting the bachelors or soon after.

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Yep, you nailed it. That is a shortcut to CRNA. I also have my ADN. Will do BSN while working and obtaining ICU experience.

I know that DFW area has a stronger preference for BSN in their hospitals…but I would ask a local, or call the hospital HR.

Tell you what, if you can get a job as an ICU tech, there is a chance they will snatch you right up when you graduate as a nurse. That was my key in.

Are you currently in an RN program? Applying?

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Depending where to, I'd be willing to relocate to some areas. I'm currently in the DFW area. Also what about as a new grad with an ADN rather than a BSN? Of course to get into CRNA school a BSN is required, but I may end up doing my local community college's ADN program for fear of not getting accepted into a universities traditional BSN program. This would also allow me to possibly accrue the critical care experience while working on my BSN. I could then apply immediately after getting the bachelors or soon after.

I am graduating from an ADN program in Dallas in May and have already accepted a position in a versant residency in MICU. You will need to apply to the graduate nurse residencies to get a job at a hospital in this area as a new grad. My work will also pay for my Bachelor's.

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I'm still finishing up my prereqs, I'll be applying to 2 universities and my local community college program as a backup after next semester. I can say with near certainty that I would be accepted to the ADN program, whereas the 2 unis I am a little skeptical. On one hand I think I have a good shot, but on the other I am unsure. Long story short I started out as engineering major and made a few C's/failed an advanced calc course so my cumulative GPA will be a 3.4-3.5. My actual nursing prereq will be like a 3.85 and my science GPA will be like a 3.8-4.0. I'm getting my EMT-B certification this summer and will be working as an EMT part time so maybe that would help in terms of job experience.

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