CCU training programs at large/top hospitals?

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Howdy!

I am graduating in May 2006 with my BSN and am looking around the country at large hospitals for critical care training programs that you know of, or have experience with. I am looking for find out what are some of the more formal programs at the larger hospitals (trauma centers, acedemic university sites, top hospitals) that you may know of. So far I have researched Parkland in Dallas, 6-8 month program at Massuchucettes General Hospital, Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. I am really looking for other programs that offer a great orientation program for new grads in the ICU. Any suggestions or comments about what program you are in would be extremely helpful as I am just looking for the best ICU training that might be available after graduation. Thanks!

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Hey Snowbiggie

There is a thread a couple of weeks old in the "NEWS" section here about the Trauma Orientation at Mass General. It made it seem like the most exhaustive I have EVER heard of. It is essentially a link to a Boston Globe series of articles. If I have another choice--probably Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.

I should say, I have no connection to either program and only am going on reputation.

Good Luck,

I like your attitude,

Papaw John

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Hey Snowbiggie

There is a thread a couple of weeks old in the "NEWS" section here about the Trauma Orientation at Mass General. It made it seem like the most exhaustive I have EVER heard of. It is essentially a link to a Boston Globe series of articles. If I have another choice--probably Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.

I should say, I have no connection to either program and only am going on reputation.

Good Luck,

I like your attitude,

Papaw John

I appreciate the response! I read the boston globe article on the making of an ICU nurse and it was interesting to say the least. Where are you currently working?

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Hey Snowbiggie

I'm at the tail-end of my working life I hope. Down here in Fla with sailboat close by and thinking of soon reaching status of 'work 3months, sail the islands 3months'. It involves tapering off the adrenalin. I've chosen to work in what I sometimes gumpily call "Mom and Pop" hospitals--200 to 300 beds, one or two ICUs, 10 or 12 beds. Thinking I don't want the 'rush' of Level 1 places anymore, that if I retire and just 'dump' the fear and excitement--it'll be bad for me.

Sometimes I don't like it. Feel like I'm losing skills--dealing with 'nursing home' Pt population--MDs who think 'don't bother me now, I can fix it in the morning'.

I'd recommend a newbie in Critical Care go to the busiest Level 1, Referral Center they can find and learn as much as they can. It would probably take years. But it's what the ICU/CCU profession is all about.

Still groping my way thru life,

Papaw John

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/MICU/SICU/CTICU.

I dont know how far south you would consider, but UAB hospital in Birmingham has an RN Intern program for new grads. You can choose 4 units to work in, and then choose the one that is best for you. We have had some that graduated in May, have worked in CCU, MICU, SICU and ER. All of them except one chose our CCU.

UAB is a large teaching hospital. Tons of opportunities. You can go to http://www.uab.edu and check on the intern program under job openings.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

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duke in NC.

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