Chances of landing a new-grad ICU job?

[NCSUrn97]

I was hoping to get a little insight about what my chances, realistically, are of getting a position in a new-graduate residency in an ICU (or maybe hear some cinderella stories). I'll be graduating in May with my BSN (one of 5 males in our 60 person cohort ? ). This is my second degree, my first is a bachelors from a large state university in human biology. I graduated cum laude from that program, and in my nursing degree thus far I've maintained a 3.83 GPA. My clinical experience thus far has been predominately medical-surgical units, and one rotation on an orthopedic trauma floor. Unfortunately due to Covid-19, any critical care rotations we had were cancelled. Additionally, my program does NOT do any sort of senior capstone/preceptorship, which I think is a huge flaw in our curriculum. Finally, I do NOT have any CNA experience, much less any CNA experience in an ICU. Essentially, I am a great student, but I lack any ICU experience. With that being said, I'm an exceptionally fast learner, and I thrive in fast-paced environments, which I made a point of emphasizing in all of my cover letters. What gives me an inkling of hope is that the current pandemic has closed many critical cares nationwide from accepting senior nursing students, and so Im assuming that this years applicant pool will have far less critical care experience than years prior. I've applied to 8-9 (one application doesn't actually tell you how many units your resume is floated to) critical care units, including: cardiothoracic, medical surgical, cardiac, and neuro ICUs. Each of the hospitals are level 1 trauma centers, and very large. Is there any hope at all for me? My plan is to apply to a few more ICU's in my home state, and then if I'm rejected from all of them, move out West and start applying for med-surg or stepdown unit jobs until I can get my foot in the door in an ICU. Any insight would be appreciated. 

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

All you can do is apply. Where I live (DFW), the only way to get into the ICU is through a residency or internship, which happens 2-3 times each year. 

What you do NOT want to do is "move out West" without a job lined up before you go. If you are willing to do M/S or PCU/Stepdown, then do it where you currently live and get some experience under your belt. It will make you more employable and you will be much more likely to actually secure one of those positions in a place you already live. They can be just as competitive as ICU to obtain right now.

Good luck!