feelings on new grad in the ICU

ckh23, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2011

I honestly don't have any problems with new grads per se. If you're a new grad and landed an ICU job right out of school, I say good for you. However, what does bother me are the new grads that think they have all the answers, know everything and/or have bad attitudes. Also the new grads that don't ask any questions are the really scary ones. The same can be said for experienced nurses that are new to critical care aspect of nursing.

2126 · Aug 2, 2011

I just started in the ICU and it's really rough! My preceptor tells me I'm doing fine, but the lack of experience is my worst enemy right now. I think it's hard to start anywhere though as a new grad. Good luck to you!

rossgeelyn · Aug 18, 2011

HI, im also interested to work in ICU unit. Do anyone know where can i apply and how can i start.? I just passed my nclex exam this August and Im seeking for an RN job. Hope to here some news. thanx.

pebbles, BSN, RN · Sep 15, 2011

We have had two new grads hired recently into our unit that previously never hired new grads. It's been a learning process for everyone. We have a VERY acute ICU, and a lot of pt turnover, movement, etc. We've also had people recently come from very sub-acute backgrounds (such as rehab or nursing home) to the ICU and seen that sometimes it just doesn't work out. Sometimes it does, but sometimes it doesn't.

I really feel that only a "strong" new grad, one with critical thinking skills who can think on her feet as well as in a classroom can truly handle ICU. The trouble is, if a person is so new and hasn't worked in other settings as a nurse, how do you know their strengths.

When people are overwhelmed, they don't learn. We have one new nurse that really hasn't learned very well and isn't becoming proficient after more than a year - because she is overwhelmed. I don't even know if she knows how much she "doesn't get" yet. People don't make any noise when they are drowning and that is very important to remember. It can be taxing on the staff around a new grad to watch her patients as well as their own, constantly guide, mentor, teach, etc. If the new grad is strong, she will learn and become more independent. I have seen that happen too, and it is very gratifying. :) But if she is not coping well, it can be tough for everyone.

I get a bit frustrated at the new nurses who chase the allure of the ICU and pooh-pooh what can be learned in acute care medicine or surgery. You don't just learn the time management BS "that I won't need in the ICU anyway so why bother learning it". You learn to tell sick from not-sick, when to really get help, how to manage basics on your own, how to communicate with sick people and their loved ones in a less critical setting, lots of valuable skills. It's become frustrating lately to be at work, look up and realise than none of the nurses around me can really be relied upon to handle a crisis because it is taking them sooooo loooong to get through the learning curve.

Some new grads can do just fine in an ICU that has good support systems in place. I would talk to your manager and educators about how you are doing relative to their expectations. NOBODY is expected to be an expert right out of the box. Feeling like you aren't managing is normal in the first year no matter where you are working. :)

stacia77 · Sep 15, 2011

Hello everyone!

I'm looking to relocate out of Florida and looking for a great place for families, as well as an entry into ICU. I have one year of Med Surg/ Telemetry under my belt so far...Im a new RN.

Any advice?

Thanks so much!!!