New Grad - Interviewing in a Trauma ICU

[nurse_232]

Hello,

I am looking for interview advice, as well as opinions on this choice.

I am a new grad RN (ADN), the ink on my license is still drying

I am finished with the majority of my BSN. My GPA is around 3.9.

Since the beginning of nursing school I've wanted to work ICU for various reasons, and I feel that I am best suited for that specialty. It is where I excelled in school.

I have been extremely lucky in being grandfathered in as an ADN nurse in my hospital, a level 1 trauma center in NYC. I'm interviewing soon for an ICU position (half time to start, because they won't do full time for a new grad). I have a bit of an aversion to med-surg because of the sheer number of patients (8:1 here). I do much better with a few very complex tasks compared to numerous simple tasks.

I'm looking for tips about interviewing, as well as thoughts on going straight to ICU out of school. I know many of you will say that I may be biting off more than I can chew. This particular ICU is known for hiring new grads and 'molding them'.

Appreciate any advice!

You ask for "thoughts on going straight to ICU out of school" but I think you've already made up your mind so who cares what anybody else thinks?

I will say this: Starting out in any level 1 specialty will be a challenge and that not everybody is up to the challenge. If they typically hire new grads, though, then they've probably got a successful preceptorship model.

Interview advice: Be honest, be humble, be honest, be clean, be honest, be well-spoken, be honest, be calm, be honest, be respectful, be humble, be yourself, be honest, be humble, be calm, be honest, be humble, don't interrupt, be honest, be humble, smile, be honest, be humble, be respectful, smile, relax...

Answer the question that was asked, not what you wish was asked... but figure out how to weave the latter answer in with the answer to the former.

And be honest and humble.

Get it?

[francoml, ASN, RN]

in regards to interviewing.... Be confident but don't BS your way through things. If they ask you critical care questions it is always better to say I don't know what I would do but I will sure as heck find someone who does or look it up. Part of and ICU interview is finding someone who is willing to be humble and learn not someone who knows everything there is to know about ICU nursing. I was accepted into a very competitive ICU internship last year at a level one ICU and this was my own experience. Your experience my be different but if you follow this advice along with the tips that the previous poster mentioned you should be good. Oh and don't be afraid to show your excitement and enthusiasm (without being neurotic lol).

[francoml, ASN, RN]

Oh and congratulations on the interview, that is half the battle! Good luck!