How do I stand out above the crowd?

[JettaDP]

I am a nursing student and I am hoping to graduate and then go directly into an ICU. Being a new grad, I know it may be more difficult to get into the ICU directly out of school but I know it has been done and I am going to try. What would you suggest I do to make myself stand out more above the other applicants? My grades are excellent. I have a 3.86 GPA but I know I'm not the only person doing well in school. So I need to stand out. I know I can do some volunteer work and shadowing at the hospital but I'm not sure if that will do the trick. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[pacifica]

I didn't think her post was condescending in the least, and I thanked her for it because it was spot on.

If you have ACLS and good grades, and you are up against someone who was a tech or CNA in that ICU, and it's only one slot, then you probably won't get the job. I was a straight A student, references from my teachers...all that. But the one and only reason I was hired as the only new grad was due to my experience as a PCT. That was explained very clearly to me in my interview. I also did my preceptorship in an ICU. They liked that, but focused on my PCT experience.

Well, I read it differently. A matter of different perceptions, although it was my post that was quoted so I felt it was a slam on me. I just don't think it is helpful to be dismissive of the things someone is doing to try to better themselves. As I said, not everyone can get a job as a PCT in an ICU. We don't even have PCTs here and we have very few CNAs who work in critical care. Nurses do total care.

Of course I would expect that someone who worked in critical care or even in any hospital position might have an advantage over someone without work experience in the field. But then again they might not have an advantage...it depends on how they presented themselves professionally in the CNA role. Me, I will depend on my extra certifications, my bachelor's degree and previous job experience (10 years in biological research), and references from clinical instructors to help me get the job I desire. I have a plan and I'm working hard so I think the hard work will pay off.

[RN1982]

Well, I read it differently. A matter of different perceptions, although it was my post that was quoted so I felt it was a slam on me. I just don't think it is helpful to be dismissive of the things someone is doing to try to better themselves. As I said, not everyone can get a job as a PCT in an ICU. We don't even have PCTs here and we have very few CNAs who work in critical care. Nurses do total care.

Of course I would expect that someone who worked in critical care or even in any hospital position might have an advantage over someone without work experience in the field. But then again they might not have an advantage...it depends on how they presented themselves professionally in the CNA role. Me, I will depend on my extra certifications, my bachelor's degree and previous job experience (10 years in biological research), and references from clinical instructors to help me get the job I desire. I have a plan and I'm working hard so I think the hard work will pay off.

Well go for it. You seem very determined. Keep in mind that some ICUs do not hire new grads and prefer to hire from within. So if their CNA finishes nursing school the same time you do, the CNA will most likely get that job before you. Since you are already working in the ICU, you'll be hired after you graduate from school.

[pacifica]

IThe best way to get into an ICU after graduation is to do an externship after you complete your med/surg rotation or to get hired into an internship. Taking ACLS and EKG courses are a good start too.[/quote]

Right. That is why I said I'm hoping to get hired into the new grad critical care internship after graduation. I wouldn't go into ICU as a new grad without an extensive internship. I care about my career too much to go into such a difficult environment without adequate support and preparation.

[Natef26]

I would echo what others have said and definitely get into an externship into a local ICU for a capstone course. This will give you invaluable face time with a prospective employer/unit and allow you to really see if ICU is for you. I had a very similar GPA, and did a 64 hour externship/capstone in an ICU during my last semester in school and I got the job. We had a 6 month orientation into the ICU for the job and so they want to really make sure that the both of you are compatible together. Try and get into Sigma Theta Tau as well. You definitely have the grades for it. Looks great on a resume IMO. Another thing I did was take an elective critical care course at my school and made sure to do well in that as well.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

Well, I read it differently. A matter of different perceptions, although it was my post that was quoted so I felt it was a slam on me. I just don't think it is helpful to be dismissive of the things someone is doing to try to better themselves. As I said, not everyone can get a job as a PCT in an ICU. We don't even have PCTs here and we have very few CNAs who work in critical care. Nurses do total care.

Of course I would expect that someone who worked in critical care or even in any hospital position might have an advantage over someone without work experience in the field. But then again they might not have an advantage...it depends on how they presented themselves professionally in the CNA role. Me, I will depend on my extra certifications, my bachelor's degree and previous job experience (10 years in biological research), and references from clinical instructors to help me get the job I desire. I have a plan and I'm working hard so I think the hard work will pay off.

I don't think anyone was "dismissive" of your efforts - rather, speaking from our experience as critical care nurses about what may be more helpful to you. It's difficult to ascertain tone of voice from online conversations, so sometimes it's better to give people the benefit of the doubt before getting cranky. A good attitude is a good start in ICU... :wink2: