I just passed my board a few days ago and I have always been interested in working in ICU. I called a hospital in NY and I was told that they offer 3 weeks in class orientation for new graduate and buddy you up with with a preceptor for 9-12 shifts in ICU. I have always been told in nursing school to make sure to work with employer that has good orientation package for new grad. Honestly I just dont feel comfortable with that kind of package. I just feel that a new graduate will need more that 9-12 shifts preceptorship. You can correct if am wrong. Thanks
Specializes in ICU, CCU,Wound Care,LTC, Hospice, MDS.
Perhaps I am showing my age but I would have killed for that much orientation when I started in CCU 24 years ago in NY. I had baptism by fire in place of an orientation
Specializes in Med/surg,Tele,PACU,ER,ICU,LTAC,HH,Neuro.
I agree that even six months won't make you an ICU nurse. 9students from my class of 1981 decided on ICU as our first job. I lasted the entire 6 months. None of the others did. I never felt comfortable completely till I moved to a med-surg floor. Three months there and I knew how to be a nurse.
sharlynn
318 Posts
Me too- only it was 40 yrs ago!