Hired in ICU fresh out of school?

[benjaminlox]

My question is simple. Are new grads out of nursing school hired into ICU positions? Or do all ICU positions require previous experience?

Thank you in advance.

[TazziRN, RN]

There are fewer specialty units hiring new grads than 20 years ago when I started, but there are still quite a few that do that. Make sure you get at least an 8-12 week preceptorship, not a short orientation.

[elkpark]

Depends purely on the individual facility -- some do, some don't. If that's what you want, you just need to shop around. Good luck!

[marilynmom, LPN, NP]

Around here they sure do!

I just graduated from nursing school this week and have accepted a position in a large PICU university related/teaching hospital. My orientation is 10 weeks long.

I have worked in the unit as a nurse tech for about a year, and I know my nurse manager who does the hiring prefer to hire those who have some type of hospital experience (nurse tech, extern, aid, etc) because it makes the transition easier and your not so freaked out and overwhelmed.

So my advice would be to get an externship or nurse tech type position before you graduate.....plus you will learn a TON (way more than you will in nursing school!).

[PiPhi2004]

I work at a big teaching/university hospital and they accepted me as a new grad. I do medical intensive care. It really does depend on the facility though. I dont think I could ever do anything except ICU now. I love it, but it is a HUGE challenge.

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

I was hired directly into ICU, I always thought I would be an OB nurse, who knew ICU was meant for me--I couldnt imagine anything else right now and I am learning so much. Nursing school just barely scratched the surface it is kind of like the pieces of the nursing school puzzle are falling into place and i am seeing the bigger picture.

Best of luck!!

[TEXAS_BSN_RN]

Yes. Plenty of ICU's will hire new grads. I graduated in May. Now I'm working in ICU. I had my job before the last semester was over. I had the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society thing and I was an extern for a year at a local hospital. I had interviews at 4 hospitals for ICU. Plenty of positions were available.

[TEXAS_BSN_RN]

Yes new grads are hired in the ICU. I graduated in May. Now I work in ICU :)

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Very much depends on the region, the size of the facility, and the resources (and need) they have for orientation programs.

As you see from the posts before mine, there are many places that do. And many that don't. Some will require a minimum of a year or two of general nursing experience first, some will not. You will need to check with the facilities you are specifically interested in, and find out their hiring practices.

Good luck!