Help for a newbie RN regarding job placement!

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Hey everyone! I am a recent graduate and passed my NCLEX a couple weeks ago. I have been job hunting and have been offered jobs in MICU and a step down unit. I was wondering if anyone would have advice for me as to which floor may be better suited for a new grad.. I have people telling me that step down would be better as a starting off point but then I have others saying that I should go ahead and do MICU if I feel that my organizational skills are good. I honestly was interested in an ICU job at first but I do not want to bite off more than I can chew. Have any of you started off in an ICU setting but found it to be too overwhelming as a new grad? I know everyone is different but I just would like some opinions from RNs.

Thank all of you in advance :)

I began my nursing career in a Trauma/Neuro ICU.... and it was a wonderful experience. It felt like "home". If that department hires new grads, chances are they know how to help you with a successful transition from student to practicing nurse.

There is a basic personality 'type' associated with successful ICU nurses. It is characterized by assertiveness, ability to multitask, capable of learning very quickly & comfortable making rapid decisions. If you are more of a sensitive soul - highly vulnerable to the opinions of others & someone who needs to deliberate before making decisions, then ICU is probably not a place where you will feel comfortable.

Thank you. I have my interview this coming Monday.

I guess what I really wanted to know was what kind of personalities flourish in an ICU setting and your post addressed that well. I'd like to think my multitasking and organizational abilities are good but maybe I need to work on the assertiveness :)

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