Didn't get my senior clinical of choice...

[Beekah20]

I am quite bummed as I found out today that I was not placed on my unit of choice for my senior clinical. Unfortunately, there were a number of students who desired placement on critical care units and too few spots to meet demand; I was one of the unlucky ones.

I was wondering if anyone had insight on a new grad's ability to get a job in critical care if they do not have their leadership clinical on a critical care floor. Also, I am planning to relocate to Arkansas after I graduate in December (to meet back up with my long distance beau) so if anyone has any region-specific advise it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

As a new grad, you will likely have to accept whatever job you can get. Job markets are very tight in many areas of the country (I admittedly have no knowledge of what it's like in Arkansas). A new grad obtaining a position in critical care is difficult even with a critical care preceptorship. The only people I know who were able to start in critical care were hired into the units they completed their preceptorships on. Apply anyway, you won't have a chance if you don't.

[THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN]

PP is correct, however, I know many former students of my program that have landed jobs in specialties right out of school. It depends on where you live and how much you impress your nurses during clinicals. Get to know the director of wherever your clinicals are

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

If the purpose of that rotation is to learn & apply clinical leadership skills, you're much better off in a non-ICU area. ICU staff are usually very homogenous (all RN) with very little opportunities to practice delegation and making assignments.

In my experience, hospital don't look at clinical rotations as 'experience' when making decisions about hiring new grads. The only exception would be if you were offered a job by a clinical manager who was familiar with your student performance on his/her unit.