New grad - critical care or elsewhere?

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So I know that there have been countless other posts related to making the choice between ICU or Med/Surg, pros and cons for both, etc. etc. etc. But I just wanted to get a little more insight, from everyone but particularly from those who might have made the choice between the two right out of the chute as a graduate nurse. I'll be graduating in July from a BSN program and I am really struggling with the decision to attempt to make the move toward critical care right out of school. Also, if anyone did start out in an ICU as a new nurse, what types of things did you try to do to make yourself more marketable or give yourself an edge as a new nurse? From all of my clinical experiences and from speaking to other nurses, I really feel like an ICU setting is the best fit for me, but I'm still on the fence. Any advice would be super helpful!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

I would give every interview my best and see what I get offered. Market is difficult so sometimes better to just get foot through the door

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Specializes in Trauma, Orthopedics.

Go where you get a job offer.

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I would apply like a crazy person everywhere. I would also start applying sooner rather than later. Most markets are oversaturated with nurses right now. Getting a paying job is the goal, even if it isn't your dream job to start. Good luck and congrats making it this far!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

In answer to OP's original question.... I began my nursing career in Critical Care (Neuro Trauma) as a new grad. Loved it! And continued to love Crit Care since then. Keep in mind that CC environment - like many other specialties - is more suited to specific types of personalities. If OP is a 'happy learner, intelligent, curious, energetic, a natural multi-tasker, assertive, confident without being arrogant... it could be a very good fit.

That being said, PPs are correct... jobs are hard to come by, particularly for new grads.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

It would be great if you could find a new grad program for critical care if possible. I started in a nurse residency in a specialized field and had six months of precepting. I know my facility did that for many of the specialties including ICU and ED.

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Thanks so much for the feedback! I know that the job markets for nurses can certainly be difficult, so I don't plan on being too picky. However, with that being said, if I had my druthers I think I would prefer a job in critical care! I am in the Orlando, FL area and there are a few hospitals that offer graduate nurse programs for various specialties - I definitely think that's the route I'm going to try to go. After reading the previous post referring to certain types of personalities being better suited for critical care, that description sounds exactly like my personality and learning style! So many things such as what you said that I have read while researching have just confirmed what I am feeling about being a good fit for critical care/ICU! I still have a few more months left of nursing school, but I am definitely going to start job searching sooner rather than later.

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