Published May 20, 2011
NewTexasRN
331 Posts
Hello Allnurses Family,
After months of praying and begging I finally got a break! I've been doing med/surg/ortho for 17 months now and I've reached my breaking point. I'm ready to move on to something else. It was extremely difficult for me to break into critical care after doing med/surg. So I applied to a different hospital and they want to interview me for a position IMCU. Even though I initially applied for a position in the ICU, I'm still really happy about getting my foot in the door by starting in IMCU.
First, can anyone give me some tips? I know I need ACLS, which I've already signed up for already. Also, what kinds of questions should I anticipate in the interview? I'm a little nervous and excited at the same time.
Also, I know that every IMCU is different, but is there anything you wished you had known about this area before you started?
Thanks a bunch!
Trilldayz,RN BSN
516 Posts
I just got hired for the same!! (but got hired for both IMU and ICU). I start in a couple of weeks and I would like to hear other's advice also!
My interview was very straight forward. The Nurse Manager asked me questions like: "so tell me about yourself", "why critical care?", "You have ACLS, PALS and NRP, why are you interested in adults and not pediatrics?" (I love kids....a little too much though. I'd cry everyday...cant take the emotional aspect of pedi critical care), She also asked me 2 situational questions and asked if I was able to work nights.
Every interview is different, so just come prepared, professional, and confident. Try to appear relaxed and be warm and somewhat social. Try to see if you can turn the interview into a simple but polite conversation, that's what I did. I noticed that my interviewer relaxed a bit more and she was able to tell me about some of her experiences on IMU/IMCU. And the conversation was more 'person to person' as opposed to "cold and distanced" Obviously this paid off because she hired me right on the spot!
Good luck on the interview and please let us know what happened!!!!
Oh! I was also asked "where do I see myself in 5 years?"
I went to the interview and it went well, but I've decided to turn down the position. It's a med/surg tele position not a true IMCU position, which is what I do right now. I guess if anyone else reads this they will learn from my mistake. If you are a new grad and want to do ICU don't do med/surg. It will hinder you in the end. I'm not quite sure where I'm going to end up going from here. I might not even stay in nursing to be honest. Thanks.
So sorry to hear that! Please don't give up on what you want!