New Grad ICU Residency Programs - Which Programs Set You Up for Success?

[ThatOneCoolMurse]

Hi everyone,

I'm a California new grad RN looking to relocate temporarily to gain solid critical care experience before returning to CA. The job market here is extremely competitive, especially for ICU positions, so I'm hoping to build a strong foundation elsewhere and come back as a competitive applicant.

My question who was once in my shoes and found a New-Grad critical care program that suited them well!

Which hospitals/programs did you go through and would you recommend them?

What made the program good? (length of orientation, preceptor quality, didactic components, simulation, etc.)

What was the patient population like? (acuity level, common diagnoses, learning opportunities)

Staffing ratios and support - did you feel safe? Was charge accessible? Were ratios maintained?

Did the experience help you move on to competitive positions afterward?

I've heard mixed things about different regions and want to make sure I'm choosing a program that will genuinely prepare me, not just throw me in and hope I survive. 

Any insights, hospital names, or warnings would be hugely appreciated. Trying to make a smart move here that sets me up for long-term success in critical care.

Thanks in advance!