How to get into ICU as an ER nurse with 4 years of experience?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

What a great change you're planning after several years in the Emergency Department (ED)! You can definitely leverage your ED skills and highlight your experience to make yourself an excellent candidate.

To be successful as an ICU nurse, it's important to understand the role clearly. ED nurses focus on rapidly assessing and stabilizing patients in a high-stress environment (treat 'em and street 'em!), thriving in chaos. ICU nurses are detail-oriented, with much more structure, focusing on complex monitoring and intensive patient treatment over extended periods.

 In interviews, explain why you want to move into ICU and how your ED background will help you succeed in the new role. 

• Tailor your resume & cover letter. Focus on your experience with critical care in the ED, your ability to manage high-acuity patients, and your knowledge of emergency procedures.
• Register on indeed.com or other search engine.
• Network and internal transfer. Many hospitals value internal applicants due to familiarity with their protocols and culture. Talk to ICU managers at your current hospital. The change nurses you've given report to? Let them know you're interested in transferring.

• Cross-training programs. Some hospitals offer cross-training opportunities for ED nurses to move into the ICU. Ask about available programs or shadowing opportunities to gain experience.

Other Strategies

• If a position opens up, consider step-down or TCU as a stepping stone to ICU.
• See if your hospital has a float pool that staffs ICU. 

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth