New grad ICU job offer: Please advise

babynursewannab · Sep 11, 2004

Sounds like quite an opportunity, but two things come to mind.

1) Why are they so anxious to get someone into that unit? You yourself question the timing. Are other nurses dropping like flies from there? If so, RED FLAG. Find out.

2) They want you to start right away? As a tech perhaps? Are you previously licensed? If not to either of these, how can they work you yet?

12s are fine. The over-time labor law is for 40+ hours in a week, not how many hours in a day. However, some professions are exempt from that also. If your state has a mandate, it is wise to look it up. Check both your state government employment laws and also your state BON.

If you are considering the job, I would probe further about the ICU orientation duration. You seem worried about it and they should not have any qualms about discussing it further with you.

Good luck in your search.

babymeena · Sep 12, 2004

Hello, babynursewannab. They want me to start with an interim permit not without. They were going to start me right away if I had that. I kinda do worry about the duration of orientation however they did say that they would allow however long it may take. This is a brand new unit according to their website. Maybe that's why??? They also mentioned that those who leave them always come back because the people that work there are so nice. They made it sound like all the other places are hell and theirs is heaven which also bothered me. My guess is that those other medical centers offer overtime after 8 hours. The home health agency that I work for right now does. I definately will check out other places too. One other thing which sorta sucks is that this is not a teaching hospital currently. They say they will become one once the doctors buy the medical center. Oh, I guess I forgot to post that this hospital is going through a change of ownership. They're not quite sure who's going to buy it but they assured me that they're not closing. Hmm... Maybe that's why no new applicants?

Ammie

SandyB · Sep 12, 2004

Are they asking you to sign a contract? for how long? how much $ to "run away" if it sux?

kbrn · Sep 13, 2004

I am a new grad just finishing up my ICU orientation. I am starting my 11th week of orientation and will be on my own next week. Yes, On my own. In some ways I feel I am ready and in other ways, there is no way. I will have a buddy when I am on my own that I can use as a resource person, etc.

As far as the benefits you listed, they sound great. The pay seems a little low for So. California, but I could be wrong. I live in No. California and was started at 36.00/Hr. before shift differential.

The thing that concerns me is the change of ownership. Is this a Tenet Hospital?? Tenet does not have a very good reputation at the moment. They have been in trouble with Medicare and are selling quite a few of their hospitals. They are a for-profit organization.

Back to ICU... it sounds like they have a good training program in place which is what you want. I had classroom time as well as clinical time as well. If you have a good preceptor, that makes all the difference in the world. Mine has been great and I am so grateful that I have her.

Good luck on whatever you decide. I love ICU and I hope you will too.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Sep 13, 2004

Here is an old nursing joke that you may not have heard. It kind of applies.

This nurse died, and went to meet St. Peter. He told her that due to new regulations, people can have a tour of both Heavan and Hell, and decide for themselves which place they want to go.

The nurse tours Heaven and thinks "Hmm...Nice place, kind of dull, though. Just for kicks, I think I'll tour Hell."

Well, as soon as she walks in to the Gates of Hell, people come up to her and introduce themselves. They are so friendly and nice. People seem so glad to meet her, and she really feels welcome. She then meets The Devil himself. He is warm and friendly, and goes on to tell her about all the great beneifts she will get if she signs on in Hell.

The nurse decides that even though she is apprehensive, Hell seems like such a great place, she tells St. Peter that she's chosen Hell.

She's told to come back the next day, and she can start her time in Hell.

So, she comes back the next day, all excited, ready to talk to her new friends, and get started in Hell.

Well, things are totally different. Everyone is mean, and rude. Instead of having fun and relaxing, people are chained to the walls being whipped and tortured by the Devil. Everyone is hateful.

The nurse stops and asks one of the staff "What happened? Yesterday, Everything was so nice, and today everything is awful!"

The staff member replies "Well, yesterday they were recruiting you. Today, you're staff."

Just something to keep in mind when interviewing.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Sep 13, 2004

... pay seems a little low for So. California...

The above was my iniital thought. Any bump up after orientation or upon obtainment of your RN?

Agree the orientation time (12-16+ weeks) sounds fine.

I'd check out the patient ratio there and generally how busy they are. Are you subject to being pulled to other units if things are slow? Whaddaya think of your sup?

BTW, congrats to all you new grads!

babymeena · Sep 13, 2004

There is no committment as far as signing contract. Even sign-on bonus (which I found out was rather low compared to other places) is pro-rated so nothing to pay back if I quit. I think they were owned by CHW(?) not Tenet. They didn't really discuss who owned it before or anything. I heard this from someone that works in the area.

They haven't mentioned any bump up after licensure. However they didn't mentioned if I would be paid lower with interim permit. After I call BON and inquire about obtaining an interim permit (I hope they let me have it) I will call they and ask about wage difference if there's any.

Thanks all that replied!!! This forum is great!

Ammie