Getting in to the ICU

RNConnieF · Sep 23, 2002

Susan,

I took a job as a GN in a CCU and I wouldn't reccomend going to school while trying to get ICU training. The stress in a CCU is incredable, and that's without the stress of being in school. If you feel your stress levle can stand it keep pushing for a position. You just need to talk to the right person, my nurse manager hired me right out of school knowing that I had NO hospital experience even thought I had been an LPN for almost 6 years and was a brand new RN grad. There are people out there who are willing to take on a new grad, so they must be willing to take on a nurse with 12 years under her belt. Good Luck.

Doug Cameron · Sep 24, 2002

Susan, I can't tell for sure, but it sounds like you may be an RN who is an ADN or Diploma grad who is getting her BSN - is that right? If that's the case, I would encourage you to keep pursuing the job you want in a unit setting. I know I was surprised myself at the trouble I had getting a nursing position in a unit. I had been away from clinical nursing for a long, long time :), but I, too, was seeing many ads for nurses and critical care training programs for new grads, so I thought... "surely someone would hire me, who has plenty of critical care experience - it just happens to be 12 years old!". However, it proved to be more difficult than I thought. I understand the reticence - even though there is an RN shortage, you want to hire people you think will not compromise the quality of care. Finally, after many resumes and phone calls, someone bothered to interview me, and they thought I was worth hiring. I am currently in a critical care setting (first day today!), taking a training program as advertised, and hoping I will remember half the things I forgot...... Anyway, my point is to not give up, keep pursuing the position you want, make yourself as attractive a prospect as you can (ACLS, PALS and the like ....), and you will no doubt find yourself in a unit soon. Good luck - Doug

London88 · Sep 24, 2002

SCB

Now that you know that being in school is being held against you why tell anyone that you are in school? You might not be a critical care nurse, but you are an experienced nurse. I am sure that you experience patients with critical problems in L&D, and that unlike a new GN you can recognize signs of a patient in trouble. I suggest you pursue your goals, but make note that there is some information you are better off keeping to yourself.

Brenna's Dad · Sep 24, 2002

I would agree with London. Don't tell them you are in school. My brother-in-law is taking the Pheonix BSN program right now, so I am somewhat familiar with it.

I recommend taking a 2-3 month break from Pheonix after you find your ICU job, so you can concentrate on the ICU program, and then never look back. If you plan is to become a CRNA, why not get your ICU experience while you are finishing your BSN.

You are definitly not obliged to tell a prospective employer about your future plans or your present educational goals.

SCB · Sep 25, 2002

It's a shame that nurses must fly under the radar to meet goals. In a way it's more interesting. Thank you for all you help and input.

christianRN · Sep 25, 2002

Susan, I've been working in ICU for about 7 months now, and I've been working on my ASN- BSN online the entire time. I never volunteered that info (it's none of their business! :) ) and they never asked. If it doesn't affect your scheduling or how you do your job while you're at work, I don't know why it is pertinent info. I know I'm a big girl and can manage my own life, and I'm sure you are too!! :) Keep looking and best wishes.

SCB · Sep 25, 2002

I haven't volunteered this information. The people I've talked to wanted to know about my education and professional goals. I have not provided them a resume'. My education goals will not be provided to them any longer. I have worked at places where the management would bend over backwards to help a nurse further his/her education. But, I don't want to be a midwife. The politics is different form what I'm used to dealing with in pusuing my goal. Thank you all very much for bringing that to my attention.

SCB · Sep 26, 2002

Well, I interview on the 30th of this month. The course is 6 weeks long, and is Monday and Tuesday for 6hrs. I will work 8hr shifts during my training. It a med-surg ICU. I will get well rounded exposure.