New Grad going to ICCU..

Published

Specializes in M/S/Ortho/Bari/ED.

I am graduating with an RN(previous bachelor's in "Social Work) in August and received an invite from a hospital to come interview for their CCU internship (4 months)and RN position. I never applied for the internship, but I did apply to their CCU since it was the only department hiring at this hospital.

I am having second thoughts as to whether or not a new grad should be going straight to the ICCU. I've not rotated to a CCU in my clinicals but one day, and that was a burn unit. This CCU states they do not have a high turnover rate and are only hiring because they have expanded to 12 beds. The bad part is that the internship slots must be filled by June 2nd, forcing me to make an immediate decision within 24 hours of interviewing. They've had my resume since March. Are they dredging the database trying to fill these holes? and should I view that as a red flag? This is a private Richmond hospital with an excellent community reputation from what I can research so far.

Can anyone give me their opinion on what I might expect as a new RN on a combination I/CCU floor, and whether or not it is a good idea to skip med-surg? I've heard about ICU psychosis, where the patients and nurses are constantly disturbed by all the alarms and monitors going off....I need a seasoned CCU nurse to set me straight! What would a new RN's responsibilities be generally speaking? What do they look for in a good CCU nurse?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Whether or not you should start in an ICU is a question that only you can ultimately answer. I will be starting in an ICU as a new grad an look forward to the challenge. I have been studying for 8 mos on my particular specialty in order to better prepare myself. If you feel comfortable with you pharmacology, patho, etc. and most importantly confidence in dealing with very sick patients then you should be fine given a proper orientation. Your critical thinking ability will be very important and finely tuned in a unit.

As far as the psychosis, there arn't a whole lot of alarms that should be ringing. Any that do should be promptly attended to and quelled. Having worked ER for a year you learn to tune out the benign alarms and pay attention to the important ones; but in a unit you shouldn't have constant alarms like you would in a large ER.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rural Health.

I may be too late as it's pretty close to June 2nd. Is this 4 month internship not something you just can't try and see if you like it and then go from there? Are they tying you into an RN position when you graduate?

I too applied for a particular facility and have been hired for an extern type program for my final 6 months of school with a job offer in M/SICU. What an eye opener for me. I was/have been promised A LOT and now realize though I love working in ICU, I won't work for them because everything has been promises only. Since I am not tied to them after graduation, I will stick out this horrid extern program so I can have experience listed and I can go somewhere else in Dec.

Good luck to you!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/CCU, CVICU, Trauma.

This is just my :twocents: but - I believe that at least 1 year of med-surg experience is extremely valuable; not only for a broad knowledge base, but also to get as much exposure to as much as possible. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, SICU,MICU.

I have been a nurse for 4 years and started out in the ICU. I think this was a very challenging way to start out as a new grad, and also one of the best decisions. You will have more than likely at least a 3 month orientation if it is like the hospitals I have worked at. You will learn an excellent head to toe body assessment that is required for the ICU. I do not necessarily agree starting out on a med surg unit unless that is exactly what you want to do. I have asked very experienced preceptors about their opinion on whether to start On a med surg floor or go straight to an ICU. A very common answer is that they felt at many times the nurses making a transition from the floor to an ICU were extremely overwhelmed. Whereas starting out in a ICU is overwhellming, but it is all that you know. I agree with this personally. Yet everyone is different so it really depends on you. You soud like you have done a lot of research and preparing well. Give it a try! Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have 15 yrs CCU/ICU experience and started out in CCU from the start. The first advice I normally give to GNs is that externship and internships are what YOU make of them as it is designed to be a learning experiences, so get the most out of them. If done correctly you will learn more in those few monthes than you did throughout your entire nursing program. Secondly, and this is just my opinion, if you have adequate time mangement skills, go

ICU/CCU first. You will learn more patho and pharmacolgy during your ICU orientation than you would on a MS floor. If you are afraid of the equipment, do not be, it all helps treat the patient and becomes your friend very quickly. If you are afraid of your patient CODING, again don't be, if it happens you will have more help at your bedside than you may want. Lastly, and this was a no brainer for me, would you rather have 5-8 patients on a MS floor with call bells going off or 1-3 ICU patients. Also you actually get to spent more time with your patients and know there health problems backwards and forward.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Float.

I would have to agree with ICUCHARGE about managing a lesser load of patients and getting to know them. I am a newgrad and was recently hired in CVICU/Neuro ICU and will be getting 4 months of internship. I wanted ICU area because I want to be able to utilize all of my nursing skills and have a closer relationship with patients and families. I am a people person. I have realistic expectations...they aren't going to just throw me in there and let me have at it! They know I am a new grad and they are going to teach me and mold me to becoming very proficient in the ICU. Yes, some of the equipment, and example...14 different drips is intimidating or overwhelming especially if you haven't had any exposure. But, they are going to show you what you need to know, you may have to study a bit at home too and take the opportunity for CEU's related to your specialty because it will only help you in the long run. With some states...it isn't mandated to do CEU's but I think you will be a better nurse if you keep with the learning process. StrugglinginVA....I think you should go where you will be happy. You will definately learn more in ICU and when it comes time that you want to do something different...taking care of MedSurg patients will be a breeze, plus you will be invaluable because you have the experience that you have. Most of the units have a tremendous amount of teamwork. If you have the opportunity...I would jump at it...if you don't like it...you can do something different. I am a little nervous but your manager and the nursing staff all know that just ask questions if you aren't sure...don't be afraid to ask...because if you don't ask...you will never know the answer. Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion