HELP, How to get into ICU or Med Surg

[rager2001]

Hello,

I graduated about 3 years ago with my ADN and got my RN. I had a previous BSBA in management so went the ADN route. I took a job in nurse management right out of school and hated it and left. Now I've been a detox nurse since. I am stuck. I want to be in the ICU or Med Surg but ever since I graduated I can not even get into an interview, employers seem to want experience and I have none in that field. I can not do new grad any longer and have tried desperately to break into a specialty and cant. Does anyone have any advice for me?? I would even volunteer my time lol, but can't do that, I am so frustrated.

Thank you for taking the time to read and offer any help! Oh I am located in Mass.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

THIS -- The lack of support for experienced nurses who want to change clinical specialty areas -- is a very serious roadblock in nursing. My organization is currently investigating the possibility of creating nursing 'fellowships' to support career transitions. I really hope that we can do it.

Currently, the most common pathway into ICU is via MS-Tele &/or IMCU. But I would caution anyone who is trying to move into a completely different specialty area.... make sure you have an accurate understanding of the environment and culture that you're getting into before investing a lot of time and energy to make the switch.

[rross]

There are burn centers in MA, if I'm not mistaken? They are usually always hiring and are a great way to get into ICU and then move on to other ICUs or Med/Surg. They usually hire new grads as well. It's truly rewarding work and most of our patients get better and don't come back, unless it's to visit and say thanks, which is not the case for many tele/cardiac units.

Don't believe the hype of burn centers being hot and smelly. Yes the rooms can be hot when you're wrapped in isolation gear, but the nurses station and hallways are cool. Plus no need to buy scrubs (surgical stubs provided and can be changed as many times during a shift as you need) and it's a teamwork and support mentality that you won't find anywhere else.