New Grad in ICU. What qualities are employers looking for?

[Correen24254]

Hi,

I will be graduating from RN school in May 2008. I am interested in applying for an ICU position where 12 others are applying and 1 will be chosen. I was wondering what qualities employers are looking for in a potential ICU employee and how I might sell myself as the better choice. Also, I feel like I might be at a greater disadvantage because of my age, I just graduated from High School in 2005, do you think that is going to make it difficult for me? Thanks

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

managers are looking for someone who will fit into the unit. as far as new grads in icu, they don't expect you to know how to do the job. they look for someone whose personality will be a good fit for their unit, someone who is honest, dependable and won't call in sick frequently, show up late or otherwise be unreliable. if you've worked other jobs before, great -- that shows you're a hard worker.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

hi, correen24254, and welcome to allnurses! :welcome:

this is a list of the main characteristics that employers look for in professional workers:

• initiative - autonomy
  
• dynamism - energy
  
• positive outlook
  
• responsibility
  
• orientation to the client and co-workers (ability to provide customer service)
  
• learning capacity
  
• productivity
  
• high adaptability - flexibility
  
• leadership
  
• team work
  
• tolerance to pressure
  
• analytic ability
  
• professional development
  

there is information on getting hired on the nursing career advice forum stickies (the very first threads listed at the top of a forum) (https://allnurses.com/forums/f87/)