New Grads

[JTinSC]

Hello everyone, I will be graduating in the near future and I am wanting to work in ICU for reasons I'm sure some of you probably know. I just wanted to know what are my chances for getting in ICU as a new grad. I have looked around and found some hospitals which list prior experience in ICU as a requirement and others who didn't.

I'd just like to know what to look forward to so when the time comes I won't be down if I have to wait a year or two. This will also let me know if I should move or not. I plan to move out of SC if I have to wait to get in ICU, but if I can get on right out of school then I will sit it out here for my few years of ICU experience.

Thanks for any info.

[epiphany]

I think it's been mentioned before, but you CAN get into ICU from school, and I know this from experience. Send your resumes early, don't be afraid to ask even if a place wants experience only, and shop around for place that will train you well. An externship is also a good way to get your foot through the door. It's achievable and has been done - be persistent, others can do it, so can you.

[NaomieRN]

Hello and welcome to allnurses.

[JTinSC]

Thanks Epiphany, that's all I really needed to know, that it is possible. That's exactly how I look at it, if its possible for someone to do it then there's nothing to stop me from doing it.

[epiphany]

Thanks Epiphany, that's all I really needed to know, that it is possible. That's exactly how I look at it, if its possible for someone to do it then there's nothing to stop me from doing it.

Indeed. Every kind of hospital, small, big, magnet hospitals, have hired into ICU from my graduating class, regardless of whether they've advertised for experienced nurses only.

[eliznewbienurse]

I have friends that have gotten jobs right out of school. You just have to shop around for a hospital and residency program that will watch your backside and keep you safe. :wink2: Don't give up! You can do it even if it means training somewhere like PCU first.

[snowfreeze, BSN, RN]

It is very possible to get an ICU job right out of nursing school. I am re-entering ICU along with 3 new grads. Many nurses I am giving report to and getting report from are a year or less out of nursing school. Good luck, welcome to Intensive care nursing.

[yeSICU]

I have just applied for an ICU internship at a magnet hospital in MI. I was offered interviews for MICU and the SICU. The internship is for GNs and RNs. Look around to see if there are hospitals in your area that offer ICU internships. I have talked to nurses that have done them and they have all said it is an awesome way to start out your career, and it gets your foot in the ICU door as a new nurse. Wish me luck!