ICU nurse

[maidinh405]

If I had ICU experience as a CNA prior to getting my BSN RN, would employers let me be an RN in the ICU as a new grad?

[flyersfan88]

Your employer might be inclined to offer you a job should they have an opening if they like you, but CNA experience =/= RN experience...not even remotely close, especially in the ICU.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Not automatically. You would still have to apply, there would have to be an open position, and you would have to be offered the position. Nothing is guaranteed in life but death and taxes as the saying goes.

However, you can increase your chances of being considered should you apply for an open position:

1. Be a team player.

2. Be a hard worker.

3. Be reliable.

4. Don't find yourself in a disciplinary process.

[maidinh405]

are you a CRNA? can you tell me your pathway to become on if you are/

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

are you a CRNA? can you tell me your pathway to become on if you are/

I am not, but you can find a lot of information in both the CRNA forum and SRNA forum.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

CNA experience in the ICU will not give you an edge for an RN position. Completely different roles. However, if you made influential friends while in the ICU - all bets are off.

[RNperdiem, RN]

It totally depends on how hiring is done. Some places do not hire new grads into ICU- ever. No point working there if you hope to gain an RN job after school.

[maidinh405]

What is the minimum experience you have to have to get to work as an ICU nurse as soon as possible when you get RN license?

[kspi355]

There are hospitals that will hire new grads into the ICU, but it's less about "experience" and more about "their experience of you." Did you make a good impression? Was your work ethic good, were you respectful with everyone, were you reliable, dependable, etc.? These are what will make an impression. Every shift, every clinical, every interaction with staff and patients is a job interview. That is what will get you the ICU job you're looking for, assuming that you're also the best fit for their needs.

[gazpaz]

It depends on the job market. When I started in 2006 they had a new grad fellowship for the ICU, now the market is so saturated in my area they ask for 3-5 years of experience working in another part of the hospital. I look at your local hospital's job postings for a better idea.

[RN403, BSN, RN]

Look for new graduate residencies that offer positions in the ICU. Some hospitals accept new grads in the ICU while others do not. As the PP said, look at the hospital website for their requirements and you can reach out the nurse recruiters as well.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Duplicate threads merged and moved to SRNA forum.