Landing a position in ICU

[mojomastr]

I recently graduated from college with a BS in psychology. I have been a CNA at a local hospital for almost 5 years, working in Med/Onc/Peds/ & Renal, and have decided to continue my education in nursing. I have landed an interview for a position in our ICU, which is most likely because I am a current employee. I am very interested in working in the ICU after nursing school and think this would be both a great learning experience and a fantastic way to get my foot in the door for ICU nursing. The only problem is that I recently reread the job description and the hiring manager is really looking for someone with Unit Clerk experience. I have tried for years to get unit clerk experience to no avail. I am a flex employee and have been told that my unit will not train flex employees as a unit clerk. I have a small amount of experience working as unit clerk but I am afraid this will not be enough. Any suggestions as to how I can overcome or deflect from this lack of experience during my interview?

Please Help!

[wishinguponastarLPN]

I recently graduated from college with a BS in psychology. I have been a CNA at a local hospital for almost 5 years, working in Med/Onc/Peds/ & Renal, and have decided to continue my education in nursing. I have landed an interview for a position in our ICU, which is most likely because I am a current employee. I am very interested in working in the ICU after nursing school and think this would be both a great learning experience and a fantastic way to get my foot in the door for ICU nursing. The only problem is that I recently reread the job description and the hiring manager is really looking for someone with Unit Clerk experience. I have tried for years to get unit clerk experience to no avail. I am a flex employee and have been told that my unit will not train flex employees as a unit clerk. I have a small amount of experience working as unit clerk but I am afraid this will not be enough. Any suggestions as to how I can overcome or deflect from this lack of experience during my interview?

Please Help!

Disappointed that you didn't get any response to this question as I am facing an almost exact situation his Wednesday! :

[Queen Tiye, CNA]

how about emphasizing your abilities as opposed to your experience. you could create a functional resume highlighting your skills and abilities rather than your previous places of employment.

research all the responsibilities of a unit clerk, learn them in and out and how that position is vital to the departments goals on a whole. you could even admit that what you lack in experience you more than make up for in enthusiasm and willingness to learn. show them that this position in this department is what you want.

[stefspets]

I don't want to derail this thread, but I have an interview in CVICU next week and I was wondering how hard it is to get positions in the ICU? I don't know if they are looking for unit clerk experience in my case, I did not apply for this job specifically so I don't know exactly what they are looking for.

I only have 6 months LTC experience as a CNA. I interviewed for a position on the Tele floor, but the clinical manager thought I would be a better fit for the CVICU and now I have an interview set up with the manager for that area. Is that a good sign?