New Grad to ICU? PLEASE HELP

[PaulieGooner]

I have been offered an RN position in a cardio-vascular ICU upon graduation (this December) but they've told me that I would need to work nights for at least 6 months. I externed on this unit during the summer and am currently externing there now but really struggled when I worked nights in July.

Can anyone tell me if new grads ever get hired on day shifts into ICU's? I'm thinking of looking around at other hospitals but if they have the same requirement of night shifts then I would be better off taking the position offered since I am already familiar with the unit.

Please help!!!!

[ccuCCRN]

I've never heard of new grads being hired into a dayshift ICU position. I've heard of new grads being hired onto days in a med/surg or tele unit, but not ICU. The dayshift in the ICU is extremely busy and is not a really great learning environment for a new nurse. Nightshift is a little bit slower on nights and allows for teaching (plus, you have experienced "lifers" on nights who love to teach).

I had concerns about working nights, myself, as a new grad... 5 years later and I am still on nights. I will NEVER work days as long as I am at the bedside. There are too many "personalities," managment personnel, and families on days. Consider working nights; it was one of the best decisions I ever made!

I hope this helps!

James

[MB37]

At my hospital there is no requirement that new grads work nights, but it's often the reality. I'm starting a critical care rotation program on Monday (well, orientation starts Monday, I won't be on a unit for another month), and whether they put me on days or nights depends on what shift is available on whichever unit I'm assigned to first. I know people who've already been through this program, and those who desperately wanted days were able to get into units with day shift available. They did have to be flexible with their choice of unit though. I would rather work noc - for the $$, as well as the slightly less chaotic routine - at least to start.