CVICU Job For A Future New Grad

[Jay-Y]

Im currently in my school's nursing program an i will be graduating in the future. I plan to become a CRNA an i know i will need ICU expierence,particularly CVICU expierence im going for. But i never realized how hard its going to be. alot of places i see are lookin for people with 1+ years expierence. So im asking you all should i still go after those jobs that require that expierence an hopefully i'll luck up?..what should i do? Thank You all so much an i'll be looking forward to each of your answers. :)

[fiveofpeep]

It depends on your region. If your region has a big new grad nurse glut like CA for example, you are wasting your time. The best way to get a job in these competitive markets is to get certifications and go directly to the unit prepared for an impromptu interview. Keep following up and start applying early. Also keep in mind that your plans may not come to fruition as expected due to this delay with getting a job. Be prepared to take any job because if you are too focused in your searches you will wind up without even a job in another specialty. This is all advice for you if your area has a shortage of jobs, which I dont know. If it doesnt, it may be more simple for you.

[aCRNAhopeful]

If at all possible, do an internship with the unit of your preference. And apply to many different critical care units as early as possible. CVICU and SICU are traditionally the best options but don't limit yourself to the point that you might not be able to get any critical care job at all. Obvoisly going out of your way to impress the one doing the hiring would be best, try to contact the manager directly over the phone may be one example. Stand out from the crowd in whatever way you deem appropriate for the situation. Still with all of that effort, you may not get a critical care job through no fault of your own and the next best choice would be some sort of intermediate step down unit at a big hospital with plenty of opportunities to move into a critical care setting.

[fiveofpeep]

oh yeah definitely get an internship. thats how I got my job. I forgot the most important thing haha

[JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN]

Of course you should go after the jobs listing 1 year experience or more. The absolute worst that can happen is you won't get an interview or won't get hired. They can't shoot you for trying.

[CA RN 444]

It depends on your region. If your region has a big new grad nurse glut like CA for example, you are wasting your time. The best way to get a job in these competitive markets is to get certifications and go directly to the unit prepared for an impromptu interview. Keep following up and start applying early. Also keep in mind that your plans may not come to fruition as expected due to this delay with getting a job. Be prepared to take any job because if you are too focused in your searches you will wind up without even a job in another specialty. This is all advice for you if your area has a shortage of jobs, which I dont know. If it doesnt, it may be more simple for you.

Thanks for the tip, fiveofpeep. What certifications/training do you recommend other than ACLS?

[Tsiasn]

I didn't work as a tech in an ICU, I didn't get nor do I have any certifications. I'm definitely the exception. The only requirement my job in a CVICU required was that I do my clinical rotation in a SICU or CICU. Try to get your final clinical rotation in an ICU, this way you can at least say you have the experience.

I graduated in 2009, so I know how it is, but I guess certifications wouldn't hurt!!!

Also get on your clinical instructors good side this way you can ask for recommendations!!