Floor experience before critical care?

[brokenmouth]

Hi, I'm graduating in Dec. 2008. I'm looking at working as a floor nurse but would eventually like to work in a critical care unit. How long should I stay on the medical floor of the hospital?

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

I did 5 years, but the standard is 1 year.

I had applied and was turned down once for attendance issues.

I waited a couple years and reapplied to the hospital system ICU that I was working in. I was asked by a doctor why I wasn't in the ICU, and told to apply by one of the charge nurses in the ICU.

I suggest that you take ACLS before you apply, and work a unit with tele.

[icyounurse, BSN, RN]

I went straight to the unit and dont regret it. But having the med surg experience first can be very valueable. I would say at least a year if thats the route you are going.

[RN1982]

I did two years of progressive care/stepdown. It helped a lot since I had a lot of vent patients and patients on vasoactive drips. I've been in ICU for 9months now.

[greenergrass, BSN, RN]

I did 0 years & have never regretted it.

The hospital I started working in had a wonderful internship program that lasted a minimum of 3 months & up to 6 months depending on the experience & progress of the nurse. The average new grad spent 15 weeks in the program.

I would highly recommend - whether you continue your "floor" experience or not, to go into an ICU with a formal preceptor or internship program.

As a prior educator, I've seen too many small ICU's training with the "Do 1, See 1, Teach 1" method. Unfortunately, the new ICU RN then just learns the bad habits of those teaching him/her.

Have fun!!!