I am a new graduate nurse deciding on what position would fit me best as a new graduate. My choices are ICU, step down, and CCU.
My shadowing experience in both CCU and ICU ensured my interest and passion on both units. My shadowing experience on the step down unit did not interest me. I know there are MANY different opinions on new graduates starting in ICU or step down.
I would appreciate any new graduates that started on either unit sharing their experiences, mistakes, thoughts, encouragement, etc. I suppose I am looking for a positive outlook on beginning in the ICU because that is what I am truly passionate about, but negative experiences are welcome also. All opinions are appreciated.
P.S. I have only two days to make this decision. Thank you.
You are going to take the ICU position.. but I will give my 2 cents anyway. The first year or two after graduation is the time where basic nursing skills are learned. Critical thinking skills take even longer to develop.
Four months of orientation is NOT enough time for a new grad to function safely in the ICU.
It sounds like you've chosen the ICU, but let me tell you not to anyway. Go to step down or med-surg. I know you think you know your basic assessment skills from school, but you don't as well as you think you do. Learn to spot a bad situation. Learn time management. Everyone has their opinions on new grads in the ICU and my personal view that you are in no way obligated to agree with is that it's a bad idea. Taking in the very basics of nursing on top of the world if vents, ABGs, hypothermia protocols, CRRT, balloon pumps, etc is way more than you want. ICU is fun and exciting and HARD. Baby step this one. Become a proficient nurse and THEN go to critical care.
Four months of orientation is NOT enough time for a new grad to function safely in the ICU.
I'm going to have to disagree with you because it really depends on the new grad. I got 90 days at my first job, which was a MICU, and I did fine. We used to orient new grads for six months at my current job, and some of them still crashed and burned. Success in ICU is not dependent on orientation length, IMO; it is dependent on the person being oriented.
I also disagree with the above poster - being a strong stepdown or med/surg nurse does not necessarily translate into being a good ICU nurse. I would argue that it might even hurt in some cases - it seems like it's hard for people who are used to doing a full assessment once a shift to start really closely monitoring ICU patients. Recently we have had a couple of nurses with 20+ years experience hired, who within five months went back to where they came from because they were not succeeding.
I'm going to have to disagree with you because it really depends on the new grad. I got 90 days at my first job, which was a MICU, and I did fine. We used to orient new grads for six months at my current job, and some of them still crashed and burned. Success in ICU is not dependent on orientation length, IMO; it is dependent on the person being oriented.
I also disagree with the above poster - being a strong stepdown or med/surg nurse does not necessarily translate into being a good ICU nurse. I would argue that it might even hurt in some cases - it seems like it's hard for people who are used to doing a full assessment once a shift to start really closely monitoring ICU patients. Recently we have had a couple of nurses with 20+ years experience hired, who within five months went back to where they came from because they were not succeeding.
Thank you for your input! While I respect that many nurses feel it is not the best decision to start in ICU, I love to hear that many also think it is doable. I'm glad to hear that it is realistic and you know this from your own experience. Is it common for new nurses in the ICU at your hospital to succeed?
I am a new graduate nurse deciding on what position would fit me best as a new graduate. My choices are ICU, step down, and CCU.
My shadowing experience in both CCU and ICU ensured my interest and passion on both units. My shadowing experience on the step down unit did not interest me. I know there are MANY different opinions on new graduates starting in ICU or step down.
I would appreciate any new graduates that started on either unit sharing their experiences, mistakes, thoughts, encouragement, etc. I suppose I am looking for a positive outlook on beginning in the ICU because that is what I am truly passionate about, but negative experiences are welcome also. All opinions are appreciated.
P.S. I have only two days to make this decision. Thank you.
How has it been? Did you decide the ICU? I am too a new graduate going into the ICU. I was however an LPN for a few years. I am still considered a new nurse and like you I am going to the ICU. I know a lot of people who said not to go because it's too much for new grads so I am curious to see how it's been going for you. It's been like 2 months. Are you loving it? How exciting. I'm going to a MICU at a level one trauma hospital although most trauma will go to the SICU. I'm extremely excited but also nervous. Share your experience please!
Hi! I am also at a level one trauma ICU. I actually have not started yet. I will be starting in the coming weeks, so I will keep you updated and I hope you will do the same! Feel free to private message me. :)
How has it been? Did you decide the ICU? I am too a new graduate going into the ICU. I was however an LPN for a few years. I am still considered a new nurse and like you I am going to the ICU. I know a lot of people who said not to go because it's too much for new grads so I am curious to see how it's been going for you. It's been like 2 months. Are you loving it? How exciting. I'm going to a MICU at a level one trauma hospital although most trauma will go to the SICU. I'm extremely excited but also nervous. Share your experience please!
Been there,done that, ASN, RN
7,241 Posts
You are going to take the ICU position.. but I will give my 2 cents anyway. The first year or two after graduation is the time where basic nursing skills are learned. Critical thinking skills take even longer to develop.
Four months of orientation is NOT enough time for a new grad to function safely in the ICU.