Nurse in her 40's trying to work in Critical Care

LNRN11 · Mar 25, 2014

I think it depends on your location, because I ran into the exact opposite problem. When I was a new grad, no ICU in my area wanted me. I know there's a lot of places that like new grads because they can essentially mold them; but, there are also those places that like nurses with experience so they aren't having to teach the basics along with the critical. I had about ten months of med-surg experience prior.

telenurse2009 · Mar 26, 2014

Thanks for your response. I've signed up for an online job fair for Florida...am thinking about trying to get a job there.

rnfostermom, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2014

I should think your years of actual nursing experience would help you in getting an ICU job. I've worked in ICUs for several years now, and no way (in my opinion) would a brand new grad RN be as prepared as an experienced nurse. The learning curve for a new nurse is huge. Even when I went from being an experienced med-surg RN to working in ICUs, it was a big adjustment, and when I went from adult ICU to PICU, more stress and adjustment! I would psyche yourself up, and stress in your resume and in interviews that you have a lot to offer your potential employers.

In the hospital where I work, which is a Level I adult and pediatric trauma center, it is quite rare for a new grad to be hired directly into an ICU position. I currently work in a combined pediatrics/PICU unit and I am the only nurse I know of who began working directly in PICU on transfer to the unit (because I already had adult ICU experience and had worked in PICU as a float RN). Otherwise, the manager makes everyone work on the Peds floor for at least a year before they get oriented to ICU. There's a reason for that!

NurseMikki · Mar 26, 2014

I do believe this might be a regional problem. Where I live and work currently you have to not only have nursing experience, most ICUs want previous ICU experience as well.

nurselindah, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2014

I am a little shocked that is a problem for you. ICUs should jump at the chance to hire someone with your experience. In Los Angeles, new grads rarely get into the ER or ICU. I am also in my 40's and work ER.

Don't give up-sell yourself and all your experience!!! Talk to those ICU nurse managers.

Lightning Lewis · Mar 26, 2014

A lot of being in ICU is personality. When I went back to work in hospital in1999. I started doing med surg and then one day they needed someone in ICU. I went and did my job properly and was friendly with other nurses. I continued to be one of the first ones called for ICU until I left that hospital in 2003. Often when I did agency work in the same era I was sent to ICU regardless of the fact that I was not an I CU nurse. The biggest factor in working ICU is how you fit in with the team. I dont know if that is good or bad but it is what I have observed.

mrsmsh42 · Mar 27, 2014

That's nuts....I would take an experienced RN over a new grad any day. And you have tele experience? They'd be mad not to hire you. What state do you live in?

Things that will plump up the resume....go get your ACLS out of the way. You can already analyze a rhythm...knowing what drug to push for which is a trivial step. I'd suggest calling the ICU that you want to work for late in the evening....after 9:30pm, when most nurses have at least looked in on both of their patients. Pay attention to the name of the nurse who answers the phone. Tell her, "Hi, I'm Sally, and I'm a tele nurse. I'm lookin for a job there. What's your manager's name?"

And then call the manager and introduce yourself. Tell her you're an experienced tele RN who's completed more training to help prepare for critical care and you would love to tell her what you can offer her unit.

Best of luck.

AElizabeth · Apr 17, 2014

You have tremendous experience to offer and apply to an ICU position. Stay with it girl - you'll be fantastic!!

and they will be LUCKY to have you!!

Lightning Lewis · Apr 18, 2014

I had no problem going into icu at the full time hospital I worked at or for the agency I also worked for with similar ecucation and background at age 55.