New grad who wants to be ICU, pls help!

[bigcrisrn]

Hi, new to site, but appreciate all the info I've received.

My questions is this:

in today's job market of summer 2011, is it possible to get an ICU job as a new grad? Friends tell me to hold out, but all hospitals are telling me they don't hire into ICU and must be med surge. The BIG PROBLEM is that my friend (exp nurse) tells me that once they have you in a unit, it's VERY DIFFICULT to actually end up in ICU. He says its cuz they don't want to pay to retrain you, and to replace you.

Hospitals tell me they only hire into ICU form the inside, but friend tells me it's cheaper for them to hire new grads.

What should I do?

I'd hate to be without a job, but I'd also hate to be stuck at med surge or something not ICU.

Thank you for your thoughts and good luck to all of you!

C

[lvnibclc]

I am hoping to get into the ICU ASAP after I graduate with my RN. At our hospital they do not allow New Grads in the ICU, but I was told if I took a float RN position they would get me trained in ICU after 4-6 months and then I could apply for a ICU position.

[KristaD]

I just graduated May 2011 and applied for a few jobs in Georgia and got an offer in the ICU...so I took it! I am actually a bit nervous now, but there was no way I could turn down an offer like that. I know a couple other students that I graduated with that had offers in the ICU as well...It all just depends on where. Also, mine is a teaching hospital so that may have made a difference? Good luck!

[djames]

I just graduated May 2011 and applied for a few jobs in Georgia and got an offer in the ICU...so I took it! I am actually a bit nervous now, but there was no way I could turn down an offer like that. I know a couple other students that I graduated with that had offers in the ICU as well...It all just depends on where. Also, mine is a teaching hospital so that may have made a difference? Good luck!

What are the names of the hospitals that are hiring new grads. in ICU? thanks. I am trying to get together a list of hospitals I would like to apply to after I grad. in Dec. 2011. I really would like to work in ICU. Did you apply early before you graduated or did you wait until after you graduated and passed the boards to apply? Thanks

[KristaD]

I applied and got a job offer at MCCG --The Medical Center of Central Georiga in Macon GA. I applied before I even graduated and flew down for the interview just shortly after graduation. I applied and had a call within in a week for 2 different positions. I also didn't take boards until awhile after I had the job offer

[djames]

I applied and got a job offer at MCCG --The Medical Center of Central Georiga in Macon GA. I applied before I even graduated and flew down for the interview just shortly after graduation. I applied and had a call within in a week for 2 different positions. I also didn't take boards until awhile after I had the job offer

ok... cool thanks, also do you know any other hospitals that were hiring new grad ICU that your friends went too?

[johannapop]

Hi Guys, I have a question relates to this topic I hope you can help:-) I am currently in an accelerated BSN program . I have a BA in Neuroscience and cell biology and another BA in Psych. I wanted to ask if I had a good chance to get straight into the neuro ice after graduation: I don't have human experience but I have extensive experience performing neurosurgery on mice . I also administered anesthesia and made sure they made it through surgery alive. Will my knowledge and prior experience help my chances? I had a high gpa in neuro too.

Thanks

[ReeNee]

Hey guys! I'm a little late with my post, however, I was wondering if someone who was recently offered a position at MCCG as new grad, could tell me how long from the time you applied online did you receive a call for an interview?

I am an our of state applicant, and I was wondering if the process is anything like NY where you have to harass HR constantly just to find out information, or if they contact you right away?

[stacia77]

Our ICU will only consider nurses with at least 1 year med-surg experience and those who agree to work our neuro tele/stepdown get preference. My advice would be get a med-surg postion and try to get tele and ACLS trained, if you can. The previous experience with med-surg will help you be more successful in ICU. Hope this helps!

Good Luck!

Redriot,

Where do you wor if you don'tmind me asking? Im an RN and work Med Surg/Tele for a year and want to get into ICU and will do step down to be cross trained to ICU...what state??? I am in Fla, and trying hard to get out of this place!!!

Thank you

[GrnHonu99, RN]

We hire new graduates into the ICU. It just varies from hospital to hospital. You wont know how to move around until you get in somewhere. It is not impossible to move. If a hospital needs staff they will hire. However, as a new grad, just get in somewhere. You can move, maybe not right away, which is what im assuming your friend meant. Most hospitals have a policy that you cannot transfer within so many days. This is usually due to the high cost of orientation. I know at my hospital it costs about 40k to train a new graduate...so hiring you in and having you transfer is not economical.

[GrnHonu99, RN]

PM me...where are you willing to move? I have 6 years in neuroicu at one of the top research facilities in the US. I also did travel nursing in neuroicu.

[jemmens]

old post

[sokouture]

I have an interview at MCCG. What ICU do you work in? Do you enjoy working in the ICU?