how to improve my chances?

[jt101]

Hello,

I am in the Second Career program. I graduate in august. I want to work in the ICU (pref. CVCICU) when i graduate. What could i do to improve my chances. I have already gotten ACLS certification. I was thinking about TNCC or ATCN? What do you think. I have applied for couple of Tech positions, but no go. I have worked as a Medical Technologist for 2 years, but not much patient care. My next rotation is in the ICU so i'll try to talk/impress the nurses and manager.

Thanks!

My stats: first degree Microbiology, gpa:>3.5, future goal: ER NP or CRNA.

I know ppl are going to say start with med/surg, but i think i can handle it.

[StephaleighRN]

I would definitely work to make the best impression possible during your clinical rotation not only in ICU but everywhere you do rotations. Managers may ask others about you and you want to be a stand out! Also, when doing rotations and in interviews, do your research on the unit, patient populations, and skills that are often performed on the unit. Let the manager know that while you may be just coming out of school and starting your nursing career, you are interested and committed to learning all you can. Be up front about your skill set and the areas you need to work on, but always reiterate your desire to learn and become a great asset to the unit and critical care nurse. Good Luck!

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

Also, when you do get an interview, don't mention your future long term goals beyond working as an RN. They typically pass by RN's now who are going to leave in a few years to become a CRNA. The reason is typically they want nurses who are going to stay on the floor and work for a while. The resources it costs to train a new nurse results in them not breaking even on their investment until about 2 years after the RN began. The ACLS, get a prescription to some sort of critical care journal, mention that you want to get your CCRN all helped me when I got my job.

And definitely try to stand out to the nurses and nurse manager. I'm not sure where you are located but many hospitals currently are having hiring freezes and not hiring new nurses, so hopefully you can consider relocation if necessary.

I would keep applying for tech positions or some sort of hospital position, hospital experience is a big plus.

[Rabid Response]

Try to get your final preceptorship (some programs call it a Capstone) in a CVICU or some kind of critical care area. When I was interviewing, no ICU would look at you unless you did at least 140 hours (preferred 180) in a critical care area, and that was even before the economy tanked. I think it will be much harder now to find a position in an ICU since there are so many experienced nurses competing for the positions.

Don't give up, though. I'm very glad that I started off in my ICU as a new grad. I am just not cut out to be a med/surg nurse.

[jt101]

thanks everyone! I will try to do my final preceptorship there. I have started working on my resume & cover letter and i will go and meet the hiring managers of various ICU in the coming months. I am working on a convincing argument to sell myself to them.