landing an ICU job

[cd365c]

I am curious about what are some great strategies to land a competitive CNA job. I am a nursing student for the next three years, and I would love to start working in the cardiac ICU at my local hospital. But as anyone knows, these jobs are very competitive.

I thought it may be a good idea to go and visit the floor. Then, I would introduce myself to the manager and tell them that I am interested in a position on their floor as a CNA. But, both my mom and my sister proceeded to tell me that it is a bad idea. What do you all think? It is near impossible to get in contact with the HR at this hospital (they only call you when there interested).

What other strategies put you in a good possibility of landing the position? Anything that I can do to get there, I will try to do!

[guest769224]

I say introduce yourself to the manager. Tell them that you would be willing to pick up sitter shifts.

I had to have med/surg exp. before being hired in the ICU. I think networking with the existing staff would be in your favor.

[funtimes]

I agree its probably a bad idea to just show up and introduce yourself and tell them you are interested. I just cant imagine it being seen in a positive light or you really having a chance to make a positive impression.

Like any other hospital position its really hit or miss getting hired, and I cant really tell you what is going to get you in aside from knowing the right people, being available and flexible for the shifts and hours they need(usually night shift), and having relevant training and most of all experience.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Are you already employed by the hospital? If not and the facility is online application only it could backfire. ICU is often a limited access unit and you may not be able to get on the floor just to meet the manager

[mvm2]

ICU man said what I was thinking. Do you know anyone who works at the hospital. They might be able to give a good recomendation to the managers. I am kind of on the fence with going there personally. At times it might be helpful and maybe get lucky and get a job because of it. Though another part of me is with your mom and sister in that some places especially I feel ICU is so busy with critical patients the last thing they want to have on their minds is meeting someone and having an unotherized person there. Some managers see this is more of an anoyance then anything for them.

[cd365c]

Okay, it sounds like a bad idea to go and try to introduce myself. I also am not employed at the hospital (which means that I do not really know the "right" people). The problem is that if I accept another position within the hospital, I am not allowed to apply for a different position for an entire year.

If I can get a CNA job as a nursing aide, then I can move into the unit as a nurse once I get my license someday.

[SeattleJess]

Okay, it sounds like a bad idea to go and try to introduce myself. I also am not employed at the hospital (which means that I do not really know the "right" people). The problem is that if I accept another position within the hospital, I am not allowed to apply for a different position for an entire year.

If I can get a CNA job as a nursing aide, then I can move into the unit as a nurse once I get my license someday.

Volunteer, if you can, so you can get to know the culture and people of the hospital. That may be tough, though, because volunteers don't seem to be allowed close to patient care. (Liability?)

Also, never ever just show up at a hospital or LTC or I'd guess any healthcare facility. People who work there are BUSY. Show respect for their time. I think respect of patient privacy is also an issue.

Call first and ask to schedule an informational interview. Also, try not to cold call. Work your second-party contacts. Ask your instructors and fellow students for names of contacts in the cardiac ICU and whether you can mention their name(s) when you call.

I admire your gumption and initiative; I think you're smart to plan ahead. Don't give up on your idea, just try to put yourself in the shoes of the people you'll be contacting and use whatever resources you have to build a connection.

Best of luck!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

That's a risk you take when applying. I know in my area ICU/PICU/NICU/CCU do not use CNAs. It's RN only.

See if your school offers a preceptorship or internship. Aim for critical care. Read up on skills and concepts to know. Network with your instructors but don't rule out other units you may find your niche somewhere else

[stargurl2006]

Never assume that because you work in a unit that you will be able to move into an RN position in that unit! I had a few classmates that worked ICU as CNAs but were told they had to work 2-3 yrs in med-surg first. Granted, they had a guaranteed job within the hospital, but it was not in ICU.

[MallysMama]

I didn't know CNAs were allowed to work in an ICU? I've never heard of that before (and the thought of it kinda scares me).

I agree that showing up randomly isn't usually the best idea. Try calling or emailing the manager. And while I don't agree with going in to see the manager- you could go in to see HR and ask questions. They aren't great at returning calls, but if you go in they can at least give you some tips or let you know the best way to achieve your goals in that hospital.

Good luck!!

[cd365c]

It is safe to say that even with experience, you may not get an RN job at an ICU even when working there. But, I think it is a great idea to start working there to get the feel of it.

I work for a different hospital system then the one for which I am applying for the job. They are currently looking for a CNA and a Unit Coordinator in their CCU. Since I already work for their system, it may be a lot easier to get the number of the manager to call the unit sometime soon.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

Ask to shadow in the unit :)