New Grad about to be interviewed at ICU...Needs advise!

Published Jun 7, 2005

146 Posts

Please help!!!! I'm panicking here....I just got a call from one of the hospitals I've applied at and they would like me to come in for an interview tis Friday and it's in the ICU... I'm a new grad and no previous experience ( I only went to the ICU during my nursing school once and it was all for shadowing an ICU nurse and observe)..Yikes! I know I'm not ready for this type of nursing position but I did not want to let the offer down and I don't want hiring manager think less of me. I'm so nervous about this interview.

Now here are my questions:

1) How should I present myself when I come in for the interview?

2) What is expected of me and what should I expect from them?

3) What is the job like in the ICU?

4) What is the nurse-patient ratio?

5) What type of orientation do hospitals usually give to new grads in the ICU?

6) How should I prepare myself prior to the interview?

7) Is the ICU recommended to new grads?

I'm really nervous and scared. Also, I just moved here in CA and we are still in the process of settling down (got here 4 days ago) and finding child care for my kids. Then I haven't taken the NCLEX-RN yet but I'm scheduled to take it on July 15th (just got my ATT today).....Do you guys think going straight to the ICU for my first nursing job is crazy?