New grad - icu/critical care

[MarkPendleton]

So there's always been the concern and question "Should new grads be working ICU/Critical Care?" I've asked myself this question and gone back and forth on my answers so many times I don't really know where I stand? I'm precepting in the ICU for my 4th semester before graduation and it has been amazing and I feel it would be a great fit and it's where I want to be but I lack that knowledge? It's hard to decide or even if they would let me in. So my question:

What do you all think? Should a new grad be able to work in the ICU/Critical Care?

Thanks for all your insights and thoughts.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I am of the opinion that med/surg nursing is a specialty in its own right and shouldn't be treated as the jumping off point in nursing that so many recommend. Whether you can make it as a new grad in the ICU or other critical care area depends a lot on you and a decent amount on the orientation plan. My ICU loves taking new grads- they can mold them the way they want without having to break bad habits learned elsewhere. The orientation is 6 months, and includes both hands on learning and classroom learning. So, investigate facilities that offer either new grad residencies in the ICU or those that offer a strong orientation program if that is the type of job you want. However, be prepared for some stiff competition in the job search- you may have to take a job in another specialty just to get your foot in the door or wait longer if you live in an area where nurses seeking jobs outnumber the open positions.

[Julesmama28]

I'm a new grad who just got hired in the ICU. ☺️ I am in general orientation right now and can't wait to start on the floor. I am scared but obviously the managers saw potential in me. I did do my senior specialty there and know the managers well, I think that helped. Otherwise, I'm a hard worker, love critical care and hope to learn a lot! Good luck!

RN BSN 2014

[MarkPendleton]

Thank you both for your comments and I will take them into consideration and thought

[KJoRN81, RN]

I'm a "new grad" (technically speaking: my hospital considers any nurse with under one yr experience a "new grad") & I started in the ICU on March 3rd. It's very overwhelming but I think almost every person is trainable. We go through about 3 months of extensive training so I'm sure that's not uncommon :)

It never gets easier. You just get stronger.

[MarkPendleton]

I feel as if the hospitals in the area should do a better job at accepting new grads and training them than always saying that they only accept people with experience. I know there's places out there who will take me on but I just am not sure how far away I'd have to move.

[MarkPendleton]

That's exactly what I did as well. I did precepting in ICU just like you and I am applying but they're being strict saying they don 't want to add new grads. But hopefully they do see potential in me as well.