New Grad on Intermediate Care Unit

DroogieRN · Aug 26, 2012

An IMC is a great place to begin your nursing career! I did, and I am a firm believer than it is a great foundation for whatever type of nursing you want to pursue in the future. You will learn time management and prioritization like you would not believe, not to mention recognizing acute patient status changes and dealing with high patient turnover. Not to scare you -- your orientation should be a great intro and you will no doubt have lots of people you can go to for questions once you are on your own. It's intense, but in a good way. Good luck!

monkeygoose · Aug 26, 2012

Thanks for the encouragement!! I am ready to learn everything I can, but sometimes I feel like I am going to be back in school HA!!HA!! I will let you know the outcome of my 3rd interview tomorrow and I will definitely ask about how long the training is. The hospital really seems like they enjoy new grads, so that is a plus. keep you posted. Any suggestions for things I could do to at home to prepare, besides the orientation on the floor, or will that be the best way of learning, hands on things??

monkeygoose · Aug 30, 2012

Got the job on the Intermediate Care Unit-cannot wait to start, but still a little nervous!!!

Bedilia · Oct 16, 2012

Hi, I am a new graduate with an interview for an Intermediate Care Unit. A little scared when reading what type of patients may be on this unit. My clinical experience did not do ICU or Intermediate Care patients. Just wondering if anyone out there has any advice, whether I will be ok on this floor. Heard the hospital has an awesome training reputation. i am excited to take on this challenge, but also shaking in my boots!!!! Appreciate any suggestions.

I don't have any suggestions, but I am currently in your shoes. How did it go? Or, how is it going? I, like you, dont have any IMC/ICU experience but deep down inside I always thought it would be really amazing to be in critical care but didn't give myself that option because i thought it would bee too "intense" until I applied and just had a great interview. Also nervous about how it will feel like school, but on the other hand, really excited about that same aspect. I mean, I do need the best training. And, well, I love to learn. It is a very good hospital as well.

If I get the job (it was a 3 hour interview), should I take it? I think I will. Let me know how you are doing!!

Nurse Kyles, BSN, RN · Oct 17, 2012

I was a December 2011 grad who got a job on a progressive care unit. It sounds like you will love it! I feel like it is a fantastic place to start out. It was intimidating at first, but I have learned so much in my first six months. I never had much exposure to chest tubes or interpreting telemetry in school, so those are a few things that stick out that I have really learned a lot about. Like DroogieRN stated, the opportunities are endless with this type of experience.

For advice I would just say to be a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as you can. Try to find a brain sheet that works for you. I know there are many threads on here with fantastic brain/organization sheets. Esme has some great ones. Also don't be afraid to ask lots and lots of questions.

Good luck! I hope you enjoy your new position!