GN interviewing for an ICU position, any tips??

[aruray]

I sent in an application at one of my city hospitals to work in the ICU floor because I fell in love w/ the place! :chuckle To my surprise they called me for interview. But I always felt that ICU was intresting and its something that I could do. Anyhow, any tips for the graduate nurse with no experience in critical care expect from this interview? How should I prepare myself for this?

[Celia M, ASN, RN]

As an ICU manager I would expect you to be honest about the fact you have no experience with ICU. I would also look for you to have a clear understanding of why ICU interests you and to show that you are eager to learn. You may want to do some research about the ICu and find out what kind of patients they treat. Also think of some questions to ask at the interview regarding procedures you can expect to see or perform, oreintation lentgh and format, preceptors, formal internships etc. One of my staff was a GN fresh out of school 2 years ago and is an excellent ICU nurse. Good luck :)

[SHAMROCKY]

I started in the ICU of a level1 trauma center as a GN 12 years ago and I've never left! I think it's the best place to go as a GN. Everything will come with experience. The only thing that you MUST have are good organizational skills!!!

[*PICURN*]

I just went through this process about a couple of months ago.

I graduated in December, and will be starting in the PICU as a new grad in about 3 weeks

There really is no way to "prepare" so to speak. Just be completely honest, make sure to show how interested you are in starting in the ICU. Most likely they will ask you about what you think your strengths/weaknesses are, and they will give you some patient scenarios and ask you what you would do in a situation like that.

Just make sure you make yourself look eager, professional, etc. If they don't offer you the job, another hospital will so don't get discouraged (there's a shortage remember!)