New nurse in the SICU working part-time

[squirtle]

I am graduating in a few weeks and will be starting out in the SICU. I was very concerned about starting out here (I know many people think a new nurse should have floor experience first) and asked a lot of questions about my orientation. I will be orienting for six months within which I will spend 2 months on the floor, will have critical care classes, and will work with the same preceptor once on the unit. I felt good about this set up, and I have had my heart set on this position for a long time. My concern... when I actually start working on my own I will only be working part time. This wasn't my choice, but it was the only position available right now. There's a good chance I will switch to full time before that, but if not, will I be ok starting out on my own only part time? I am scared that it will be harder for me to become proficient on my own spending less time in the unit. Also, should I discuss this concern with my manager? I don't want to complain about the position when I haven't even started yet, but I want her to know that I really want to switch to full time as soon as there is something available.

[Creamsoda, ASN, RN]

It is better for new ICU nurses to work full time, in my opinion. But, can you keep the part time, and just pick up on your days off to make full time? If your unit is anythng like mine, theres plenty of overtime, so it shouldnt be hard to pick up extra at straight time. In my unit, part time positions are a hot comodity. I finally just got a part time after working at this unit for 1.5 years. I still plan on working full time hours, but the part time allows more flexibility, with more weekends off.