Graduated from EC on Feb 20th got my ASN diploma in the mail on the 21st. I interviewed for a ICU position on Feb 10th and offered a position on feb 25th.
I accepted the position and Im now officially working as a GN in the ICU with a 2 week GN orientation.
It can be done, the EC program is not for everyone....but like myself it is a life saver and the only way to becoming a RN!!! I love critical care medicine and the ICU/CCU is in my blood. Although the last few days on the unit have been culture shock coming from the streets as a Medic and now functioning as a critical care RN! boy I have alot to learn from my preceptor......You can do it, put your mind to, with a little determination and you will make it through it!
Specializes in ER and family advanced nursing practice.
I do love Critical Care medicine, it is what I do....in my blood as they say. Unfortunately in NY you have to have 1 year RN experience to work in the ER, state law. I did try to get a waver as I'm a paramedic but I was shut down by both the Dept of Health and BoN. I do think working in the ICU will give me a leg up, and I really would like to get cross-trained in our CCU as well. I plan on taking the CCRN exam as soon as I get the bedside requirement out of the way which is like 1700 bedside hours.
Darkside....lol so so true
Figure 4-6 months for your ICU residency/new grad thing. You will be focused on that so no problem. Then six months will go by quick. Get your CEN, too. For medics, the test is easy. Studying for it is a great review. The test has very little material that was not covered by medic training. I think they want a certain number of hours, but I don't think it is requirement. I forget. Anyway, its good for 4 years. The CCRN is tough, but I am sure you will do fine.
Get your CEN, too. For medics, the test is easy. Studying for it is a great review. The test has very little material that was not covered by medic training. I think they want a certain number of hours, but I don't think it is requirement. I forget.
The ENA recommends two years of ER practice, but it's not a requirement.
ivanh3
472 Posts
Figure 4-6 months for your ICU residency/new grad thing. You will be focused on that so no problem. Then six months will go by quick. Get your CEN, too. For medics, the test is easy. Studying for it is a great review. The test has very little material that was not covered by medic training. I think they want a certain number of hours, but I don't think it is requirement. I forget. Anyway, its good for 4 years. The CCRN is tough, but I am sure you will do fine.
Good luck,
Ivan