New Grad ICU

[I Run on Coffee, BSN]

Hi All!

This is my first time posting here. I graduate in May and I have been applying for jobs. I really want to work in the ICU but I haven't heard back from any of the positions I applied for and most of the ICU positions ask if you have had you capstone experience in the ICU. My capstone was in a surgical trauma step-down unit at a level 1 trauma hospital. I applied to a intermediate surgical trauma unit (ISCU) as one alternative to the ICU positions as I really enjoyed my time on that unit. I was offered the job in the ISCU and I have a week and a half to let them know my decision. I would like to know if I should take the position and then try to transfer to the ICU and the soonest opportunity or wait and continue looking for jobs till May. I am nervous to turn this job down but I really want to go into the ICU. My faculty at school say this job is a good way to get experience and then to transfer but I am not sure. Has anyone had a experience similar to this/ have any advice for me?

[chare]

1 hour ago, I Run on Coffee said:

... I was offered the job in the ISCU and I have a week and a half to let them know my decision. I would like to know if I should take the position and then try to transfer to the ICU and the soonest opportunity or wait and continue looking for jobs till May. ...

Take the job offered. You can continue to search for available ICU positions, and apply for any that are available. If you are offered another position you can contact the nurse recruiter and decline the offered position. If you do, be aware that you may end up on a do not hire list at the original facility.

Best wishes.

[I Run on Coffee, BSN]

@chare Thank you! Is there a way to know if I would be placed on the do not hire list? This is a huge hospital close to me and I do not want to lose all opportunities at their facility.

[chare]

18 minutes ago, I Run on Coffee said:

@chare Thank you! Is there a way to know if I would be placed on the do not hire list? ...

Likely not. And this isn't saying that they will, just that it is possible. It's just as possible that they will wish you the best of luck, and immediately call the next name on the waiting list.

22 minutes ago, I Run on Coffee said:

... This is a huge hospital close to me and I do not want to lose all opportunities at their facility.

In that case, you might to seriously consider taking the ISCU position, do whatever time you need to transfer, and then explore opportunities within that system.

2 hours ago, I Run on Coffee said:

[...]

... My faculty at school say this job is a good way to get experience and then to transfer but I am not sure.

Your faculty are correct. If you are the ISCU position you will have an opportunity to meet the SICU nurses during patient transfers. Getting to know these nurses, and more importantly providing them an opportunity to get to know you could be very helpful when you do apply.

Best wishes.