Do New Grads get hired in CCU, ER, ICU, etc?

[Vanillanut, DNP, RN, APRN]

Hi everyone. :)

I am looking ahead at my career options and am interested in ccu specifically, failing that icu/er. My question is, do most hospitals hire new grads for these fields? I know most places advertise 1 or 2 + years experience required, but then you hear stories of others getting in from sheer desperation of the hospital.

By the way, I am doing the BSN program that has a component of Critical Care in it (16 week long specialty incorporating 40 practicum hours) although its not equivalent to a CCRN.

Thanks in advance!

[CABG patch kid, BSN, RN]

I just graduated from a BSN program, and quite a few of my classmates went into ICU and NICU. The general concensus here is that it is easier to get into those places if you have an extern position within the hospital before graduation. For example, one of my buddies had an extern job on the ortho-med/surg floor for about a year, then got transferred to his dream job in the ICU about 4 months before graduation. They were already putting him through orientation!

I don't know how much longer you have until graduation, but if you don't want to work before graduating, I know its not uncommon to get into a new grad program in a specialty unit. Take it for what its worth, if I were going into CCU, I'd do a year or so in telemetry to learn the rhythms and cardiac meds. But that's just me, you'll be fine no matter what you choose.

[AmyLiz]

Depends on the hospital. A classmate of mine is now working as a new grad in an ER without any prior experience (other than observing once in nursing school). A few of my former classmates are getting into ICU, NICU, CICU through internship programs at a few of the local hospital. These internships combine classroom teaching (above what you would get in nursing school) and floor time with a preceptor. So far, everyone is really liking that approach because it eases you in & gives you confidence better than just throwing you in without formalized training.

[Lisa CCU RN, RN]

I'm doing an internship similiar to the one the above poster describes. It's in ICU and I wouldn't be in ICU without it. I feel like I'm in school again though.

[SillyStudent, ASN, RN]

I was hired in a SICU directly out of school. Love it so far!

[ava'smomRN]

I was hired into the PACU. I was offered th position at the end of my externship, almost two years ago. with that said, it is possible and it does happen. you will increase your chances if you become an extern or nursing assistant where you want to work. also, lots of hospitals have nurse internships and training and education to help new grads succed in specialty units.

[MMARN, BSN, RN]

I just graduated from my ADN program, and my friend is going into the ICU straight out of school. Granted, she has experience as a surg tech, but so did my other friend and they told her that it would be better for her to start off in a med/surg floor. :s I think it depends on the hospital you apply for.

[BoonersmomRN]

I graduated in DEC and went straight into the NICU. 3 of my classmates went to CCU at the same hospital!

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

I got my licence Jan 24th and started my new ICU job Jan 25th. I have been told that the critical care units like new grads cause "They can raise them up right". FYI same hospital just hired two new grads in ER. Granted we have more training/orienting time than a seasoned nurse.

So far I love it. I have always heard the work on Med Surge for a few years thing too, but I dont want to work on MS. I for one dread the thought of having 6-8 patients. Where as in ICU the most ever I would have would be 3. Mostly 2.

[middleageNP]

I graduated in Dec. and started in the SICU without ICU experience except for 2 days of adult 2 clinical. I think the nursing shortage is pushing facilities to try out new route.

Old thinking of requiring Med Surge experience is diminishing. I'm hearing they prefer fresh out of school grey matters so they don't have to retrain. Whatever the reasons, I am glad I have the opportunity to start my career in the ICU. I didn't like Med surge, but I love the acuity of the ICU.

[Italia13 RN]

I graduate in MAY and already have a JOB in a local hospitals ER!! So yes they hire new grads in specialty areas.. but most of them usually only hire a certain number of new grads in those areas, so , my advice to you is if you want a specialty go for it and dont let anyone talk you out of it! Good Luck!

[Galore]

I'm in an Accelerated BSN program and I'd say the majority of my classmates who already applied for jobs all got ICU or other specialty positions. The people doing med-surg are actually the minority. The spots fill up quickly though so I recommend doing some research well in advance of graduation to find out when the hospitals have new grad job fairs or open houses where you want to work.