New Grad Cardiac ICU RN wanting advice from seasoned ICU nurses!

Published

Hello! I’m a new graduate RN that was just hired into a new grad program in a Cardiac ICU in a level 2 trauma center hospital. Prior to being hired, I was all set to start my online BSN program full time. School starts next week and my new grad position starts a month later. My question to you ICU nurses is if you think I should put off starting my BSN and for how long? Would it be possible to do full time or even part time school or is this a bad idea?  I’ve hear them first year in an ICU can be tough. 
I would appreciate any advice!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU/CVICU.

Following! I'm in the same boat. Just graduated, starting in CCU next week, and supposed to start RN-BSN mid-October.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
1 hour ago, JEE93 said:

Following! I'm in the same boat. Just graduated, starting in CCU next week, and supposed to start RN-BSN mid-October.

Awesome! Congrats! I don’t know if this helps any but I talked to a few ICU nurses. One of my friends is a new grad in an ICU and she said full time school and full time work as a new grad would be almost impossible because your unit alone requires a lot of study time. She said part time is doable for someone that is a studious and a good student. I also talked to another ICU nurse that recommended I push my BSN back a year since the first year in an ICU unit is rough. I decided to go down to part time for the first term to feel it out and see how it goes. I’m even nervous about doing part time just because I want to succeed on my unit but it seems like you at least have a few weeks before school starts to gauge your unit and see if you thinks it’s doable.

We should totally keep in touch! Maybe we can help each other study cardiac material as we learn stuff too?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ICU.

Doesn't really take a seasoned nurse to answer this honestly, but most nurses I've known have gotten their BSN ASAP after graduating and that's with full time work and full time school. If you have any doubts about your time management between school and work, or even if you just want more of a social life, give yourself a few months then enroll in school, at least part time. It's very doable.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Physiology.

Where are you enrolled for October start? Currently debating between Capella Flexpath & Chamberlain! 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
12 minutes ago, physRN05 said:

Where are you enrolled for October start? Currently debating between Capella Flexpath & Chamberlain! 

I’m enrolled at OHSU. Part of me regrets it because they require a bunch of upper division classes that will be an extra few terms. I actually thought about doing Chamberlain but decided not to. I figured OHSU was a bigger name hospital that might help my chances of getting into an advanced practice program. IDK if that’s true or not though. 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU/CVICU.

I’m in SC, enrolled at USC Aiken. They have like 6 start dates per year. Their classes are 7 weeks in length.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Physiology.

@MoJo-Jo-Jo

I am in a similar situation - New grad 

I previously worked in ICU (tech) & I am applying to ICU positions in my hospital.. my hospital requires BSN - I have my ADN & previous bachelor's & saw  your post.. I am planning to go part time during my first semester to gauge my work/life balance 

Let me know if I can help! 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in behavioral health.

I am not an ICU nurse but I did work full time night shift and attended the online BSN program (with 2 kids) at USC Aiken. The program is writing intensive and requires a lot of research to fulfill requirements. I personally did not have any problems with the curriculum and my work schedule. I felt like everything was manageable and the instructors are all wonderful with helping you along the way. I guess it would be different for ICU nurses if you are having to study already on your off days. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Placing amazing RNs in fantastic jobs with BJC!.

At two of our fifteen hospitals, we are considered "Magnet" facilities. You have to have a BSN to get hired or almost finished(like putting on that cap and gown finished!)
Our other hospitals do not require a BSN. I am in St.Louis. If you are interested in where I work, let me know! I'll gladly share! 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU/CVICU.

@MoJo-Jo-Jo

Just checking back in...how is it going for you doing part time? How did your orientation on the unit go? Are you managing work and school well? 

I actually switched schools and am supposed to start my RN-BSN this month. The school I had initially been accepted to was requiring me to take 2 additional general education courses, which I did not want to do. So, I decided on another school and am about to start. I just finished orientation on my unit, first night on my own was Christmas night! I'm nervous about starting my BSN while still being new and now on my own, trying to still get the hang of things. Hoping it will go okay! I'm interested to see what your experience has been...hopefully it's going well for you!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

@JEE93 

Hey! I am 2 months into orientation now and am in my second trimester of school part time. It’s really tough! School is pretty easy for the most part, mainly time consuming! Learning the CVICU is the toughest part. I feel like I should be studying for my unit at home but I have not had any time (or desire) to do so. ?When I’m not at work, I don’t want to be studying for work. I feel like I need to decompress. The job is insanely overwhelming. I’m supposed to be on my own next month and I’m TERRIFIED. 
I recommend doing school part time to give yourself time to decompress from work and take care of yourself. Otherwise, I feel like you’ll burn out quickly.

How was your first day on your own? Also, do you study for work when you’re off?

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion