Having trouble getting into the ICU

[Reaz, BSN]

Okay everyone, be honest!

So I worked on a surgical/tele unit for 9 months. I absolutely hated it. I knew from nursing school I would hate med/surg and requested my capstone to be in ICU and I got it and truly did enjoy it. That was my goal but couldn't get a job right out of school so I took the surgical/tele job. I worked there for 10 months and was miserable so I jumped the gun and did an internal transfer.......to pre/post op. I know, I regret this decision with all my heart. IDK why I did it. I think I was in a rush to get out.

NOW I have been in ambulatory surgery for 11 months. I am more in tune with my desires and I desperately want the ICU again. I CANNOT get a job. 

I am obviously all over the place and it shows on my resume. Is this what is keeping HR from even considering me? I've applied to 19 jobs and within a week rejected from 11 of them. I also have been off the floor for almost a year, so does this look bad as well as I basically downgraded into this pre/post op position with barely any critical thinking. How can I get into the ICU? should I wait more time, or start applying to floor positions (ugh). Am I being inpatient or realistic? 

I do have an interview for an ICU at a smaller community hospital, but of course me being me, I want the most high acuity patients in a level 1 trauma center (I live in Chicago). IF I do become lucky to get this job, should I take it and get the experience to later move into a role at a bigger hospital? I am considering CRNA because I work with them now and think I would absolutely love it. 

Feel free to give me some advice! Give it to me straight:) 

 

[nursenate5]

If you really want to work in an ICU then I think you should highly consider any ICU position, even at the smaller community hospital. Getting into an ICU can be competitive, especially in large cities at level 1 trauma centers. You will still get a lot of great experience in smaller hospitals and the learning curve will still be incredibly steep. I think you should get in where you can, get some experience and expand your knowledge, and apply to the more competitive hospitals once you have that under your belt. 

Best of luck in your interview!!

[Reaz, BSN]

On 11/14/2020 at 10:27 AM, nursenate5 said:

If you really want to work in an ICU then I think you should highly consider any ICU position, even at the smaller community hospital. Getting into an ICU can be competitive, especially in large cities at level 1 trauma centers. You will still get a lot of great experience in smaller hospitals and the learning curve will still be incredibly steep. I think you should get in where you can, get some experience and expand your knowledge, and apply to the more competitive hospitals once you have that under your belt. 

Best of luck in your interview!!

Thanks! I got the job and accepted. Thanks for the advise! Super excited.