New Grad. Should I work in CCU?

Specialties CCU

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I am new to this web site....I am searching for answers. I will be graduating in Dec 2005 and am entertaining job offers but unsure how to pick them. One nurse told me to be careful where my first job was...I am meeting with the unit director of CCU this week. How do I know if it's for me?

As a new grad working in an MICU (3 months into it), I would recommend that you ask these questions:

1. Will there be other new grads starting?

2. Have you taken new grads before? What has your experience been?

3. What sort of training will I receive?

4. How many preceptors will I have? (the fewer, the better). Will I be able to meet my preceptor as part of the interview process?

5. How long is orientation?

6. When can I take ACLS?

ICUs can have a lot of alpha males and females working in them. If they aren't used to new grads, they may have expectations much higher than you can meet. So find out their experience with new grads is. If they are hiring new grads because they are desperate, I would think twice. Also, see if you can find out the reputation of the unit (nurse eaters vs. good place to work).

Stress that you will need a patient and supportive preceptor, as you are a new grad. A lot of preceptors are amazed at the lack of practical skills we new grads have ("So what exactly DID you learn in nursing school??") If the unit manager explains that it is a high stress unit that you just have to jump in and learn it on your own, that may be a warning.

I think that new grads can start out in an ICU, but it should be the right environment that understands the needs of new grads.

Good luck!

Oldiebutgoodie

Hey Redielh

I am personally in favor of new grads working in my ICU---IF (note capitals) they've had other background experiences. Have you been an ER Tech, an EMT, an LPN, a Resp Rx? That kinda thing. There just has to be some background in dealing with a Pt in crisis. If you have NO experience in dealing with really sick people--not necessarily as a nurse--maybe you should drop back and punt.

If you've had enough experience so that you feel you're up to it, then the next question is, is the ICU training program up to teaching you the way you want to learn. There were some excellent suggestions posted about how you might check it out. I would add, is the program in a busy medical center with several different Critical Care units. I would advise you not to precept in a small neighborhood hospital ICU and then walk away thinking you have achieved the higher levels in our profession.

I just started a thread on MedSurgICU about the ICU Preceptor program at Mass Gen'l as covered by the Boston Globe newspaper. You ought to check it out.

Papaw John

Specializes in Telemetry, OR, ICU.
As a new grad working in an MICU (3 months into it), I would recommend that you ask these questions:

1. Will there be other new grads starting?

2. Have you taken new grads before? What has your experience been?

3. What sort of training will I receive?

4. How many preceptors will I have? (the fewer, the better). Will I be able to meet my preceptor as part of the interview process?

5. How long is orientation?

6. When can I take ACLS?

ICUs can have a lot of alpha males and females working in them. If they aren't used to new grads, they may have expectations much higher than you can meet. So find out their experience with new grads is. If they are hiring new grads because they are desperate, I would think twice. Also, see if you can find out the reputation of the unit (nurse eaters vs. good place to work).

Stress that you will need a patient and supportive preceptor, as you are a new grad. A lot of preceptors are amazed at the lack of practical skills we new grads have ("So what exactly DID you learn in nursing school??") If the unit manager explains that it is a high stress unit that you just have to jump in and learn it on your own, that may be a warning.

I think that new grads can start out in an ICU, but it should be the right environment that understands the needs of new grads.

Good luck!

Oldiebutgoodie

:yeahthat:

IMHO, bottom line is if they have a stong orientation in place with strong, forthright, and sincere preceptors, plus your strong desire to become a CCRN, then GO FOR IT, and good luck. :cool:

More things to ask:

What shift will I be working?

There is an interesting thread somewhere in this forum about new grads only working nights. At the medical center I work, the really experienced great nurses are all on days, except for one or 2, and the newer nurses are on nights. If you are working straight nights, you don't get the input from the old pros.

How many patients will I have?

Anyway, good luck.

Oldiebutgoodie

Specializes in ER,PACU,Urgent Care,ICU,ltc,.

I was hired into ICU fresh out of school. I graduated with honors so I thouhght that was sufficient reeason.

I lasted 2 months. I hardly knew what was normal , let alone abnormal. If someone's abdomen was distended I was sure they were bleeding into their belly. An experienced rn pointed out that they were only constipated from all the narcs! Go figure.

Plus I rotated all 3 shifts w/in a week and barely knew if I was coming or going.

Plus they tried to get me to start all thr HIV pts IV's--- so I could "get experience". Finally I piped up and said, if I fumble an IV start due to lack of experience-- I get AIDS, let's let the "experienced RN's start those" after that I was not there long. I really wanted to work in ER, and I thought ICU would be the next best thing. I was wrong---- there is a world of difference!

I have since, finally after getting a couple yrs of "floor nursing " under my belt- worked ER > 15 years.

Go with what you love- not just the "impressive" job to get!.

Good Luck

Should you work CCU??

NO--not as a fresh grad unless you have prior experience as a LPN, EMT, etc.

I have worked in MANY hospitals and most, regardless of how good their intentions are, can not or will not give you the training you need. Besides most Alpha nurses will eat you alive. Many seasoned nurses that transfer to CCU don't last.

Do yourself and the patients a favor and get some experience first. Then if you think you want to try CCU--GO FOR IT!

If you do, write me and I will help answer your questions, etc.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOU CAREER!!!!!!

I have worked in MANY hospitals and most, regardless of how good their intentions are, can not or will not give you the training you need. Besides most Alpha nurses will eat you alive. Many seasoned nurses that transfer to CCU don't last.

I think it is very sad that in nursing we have such a culture that "alpha nurses" evolve and "eat you alive". Is this an issue that management should address? If any of you reading this are "alpha nurses", do us all a favor and use your expertise to lead and mentor, not to tear down.

Oldiebutgoodie

Specializes in ACNP-BC.
Should you work CCU??

NO--not as a fresh grad unless you have prior experience as a LPN, EMT, etc.

I have worked in MANY hospitals and most, regardless of how good their intentions are, can not or will not give you the training you need. Besides most Alpha nurses will eat you alive. Many seasoned nurses that transfer to CCU don't last.

Do yourself and the patients a favor and get some experience first. Then if you think you want to try CCU--GO FOR IT!

If you do, write me and I will help answer your questions, etc.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOU CAREER!!!!!!

I'm just curious, what is an "alpha" nurse? Do you mean someone who has worked in the ICU for ages? Thanks! :)

I am new to this web site....I am searching for answers. I will be graduating in Dec 2005 and am entertaining job offers but unsure how to pick them. One nurse told me to be careful where my first job was...I am meeting with the unit director of CCU this week. How do I know if it's for me?

Hello, I graduated in 2003 and took my first job in the CCU at a large hospital. If you want to enter critical care then you need to let me know your reasons why because it is a difficult place to start. If you are set on working there and are ready to work hard/read and learn outside of work, are a quick learner/good student then you will do fine. I entered the CCU to apply into anesthesia school which I start January 4th. Therefore, if u want to do it go for it! The transition is difficult but dont EVER let anyone tell you not to do it b/c you have no prior experience. You can do anything you put your mind to it. Just take everyones advise and form your own opinion. I worked nite shifts and it was a young crew mostly all of us were under 35. We always worked together and asked eachother questions. I've seen many new grads love it, and ive also seen new grads drop out of orientation b/c the pace was too fast and it just wasnt for them. I hope this helps...bottom line if this is what you want GO FOR IT!!! Im sure you'll be great....

I am new to this web site....I am searching for answers. I will be graduating in Dec 2005 and am entertaining job offers but unsure how to pick them. One nurse told me to be careful where my first job was...I am meeting with the unit director of CCU this week. How do I know if it's for me?

If you really want to do it and your future employer has a critical care for new grads program, I say, "go for it!" By "new grad program" I don't mean just you with a preceptor. Some of the larger hospitals actually have programs that are four days a week. One day is 6 hours of Coronary/Critical Care lecture, One day for skills lab and 2 days on the floor with a nurse who WANTS to precept and has been taught HOW to effectively precept and is compensated monetarily for doing so! These types of programs are wonderful and really prepare the new grad for critical or corinary care.

If you really want to do it and your future employer has a critical care for new grads program, I say, "go for it!" By "new grad program" I don't mean just you with a preceptor. Some of the larger hospitals actually have programs that are four days a week. One day is 6 hours of Coronary/Critical Care lecture, One day for skills lab and 2 days on the floor with a nurse who WANTS to precept and has been taught HOW to effectively precept and is compensated monetarily for doing so! These types of programs are wonderful and really prepare the new grad for critical or corinary care.

can you tell me of any programs like this?

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