Job situation in Maine?

How is the job situation in Maine? Are experienced nurses only offered work in ICUs or are new grads/ limited experienced RNs provided with orientation to ICUs as well? Thanks in advance to all replies.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

At my hospital they HAVE taken new grads, but only a couple of times. They are looking for someone with at least a year of experience. Perhaps at a larger hospital....?

[RN77]

I think that just about anywhere in this country, you'll have to have at least a year of med/surg experience before you go to an ICU. I strongly believe that is a good thing...get your feet wet and under you before you dive into the hi-risk areas. The first year of nursing is difficult and a bigger learning experience than school ever dreamed of being. Good luck with your career.! :)

[JPine]

How is the job situation in Maine? Are experienced nurses only offered work in ICUs or are new grads/ limited experienced RNs provided with orientation to ICUs as well? Thanks in advance to all replies.

In the last couple of years the state has graduated a TON of new nurses. There are opportunities to work, but there is certainly no shortage. I know that more than a few hospitals have stopped hiring travel nurses and have cut their agency nurses by at least 50%. Some of my friends had to wait months before they could get hired anywhere. Because there are plenty of nurses here in this state that getting an ICU job as a new grad is very rare, but not unheard of.