Nursing student looking for some answers

heartICU · May 6, 2006

Hey everyone,
I'm just curious as to how hard or how long it takes to get into an ICU setting right after graduation. Was there some kind of waiting list where you did your ICU experience? I just keep hearing that TONS of nurses are all wanting to be in this ICU setting. I'm sure this is probably different in different states. I live in the Dayton/Cincinnati area in Ohio if that helps, and if anyone can relate.
So how long after you wanted to get into ICU did it actually take you?
Thanks

It may be difficult to get into an ICU where a lot of people want to work, like neonatal ICU. Most take new grads...some that don't may include NICU or PICU. Most adult ICUs that I have ever heard of are desperate to fill positions, and they take new grads. Just because people are talking about working in ICU doesn't mean they are actually doing it. Check out your local hospitals for ICU openings. I am from Ohio also (Cleveland area) and I just looked at my hospital's website, and they have 26 critical care openings for RNs.

utahliz · May 6, 2006

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Summitk2 · May 7, 2006

I'm approaching graduation and in the middle of this problem right now as I look for work. The problems of getting into the ICU as a new grad will vary greatly by region, both the willingness to take new grads and also the market itself. Large teaching hospitals are usually best for new graduates. The smaller private hospitals may accept new graduates, but their training program and preceptorship should be evaluated carefully. Many nurses, esp. new grads, want to get into the ICU--those who just like that level of care and others who need to use it as a stepping stone to something else (NPs, travellers, CRNAs, etc).

I've learned the hard way that the area I want to work has lots of nursing programs saturating the market every summer, and only 2-3 hospitals have limited ICU positions for new grads. The largest teaching hospital said, "you need at least 2 years of med/surg, and even then it's competitive to get into the ICU." Many of the private hospitals in the area don't have the training infrastructure, and so they require experience. As HeartICU illustrated, however, some areas have a great need and will take just about anyone. My advice: 1) find out about your area sooner rather than later--call nurse recruiters, talk to classmates, upperclassmen, faculty; 2) apply & interview early; 3) get as much ICU experience during school as you can.

gasmn2b · May 7, 2006

I'm a new grad who hired right into an ICU. I live in a medium-size city in Michigan--one area hospital won't take new grads in the ICU, and the other will. Even so, not everyone who interviews is hired. I think they're looking for a level of maturity and commitment, in addition to a willingness and ability to learn everything possible. Some of the other new grads in my orientation group wanted to start in the ICU and were told to get a minimum of 8 months med-surg experience first. There are pros and cons to doing so, and the best choice for you depends on you and how much orientation you'll get.

Great points. I was hired 8 years ago straight out of ADN program into MICU at a 600+ bed facility. I have been there since and will be starting CRNA school in August, but I must say that it was only that I felt comfortable with the staff and that the manager set several goals for me to obtain while in orientation for two months on Tele (pass boards, hosp critical care course, preceptorship). I did all of this and moved right in. The people I work with have always been very supportive and there are things to this day that the more experienced nurses still teach me. You never know it all. I also know that CRNA schools are putting a crunch on staff in many areas of the country. Some managers are looking for 2+ year committments and they will hold rec letters over your head to keep you there, because of the high cost of turnover if it is your goal to go to CRNA school. Easily understandable for the high cost of training a new hire.

LisaRRT · May 7, 2006

I started as a new RN grad in a CVICU/CVSD unit. The clincal manager already knew me from working there as an RRT, so I think that might have helped. Both hospitals in the town I live hire new grads into all of the ICU's except for the CVICU at the hospital across town. The orientation and critical care preceptorship/classes last almost a year.

glb1960 · May 14, 2006

I graduated in Dec of 2004 and had five offers for employment and two of those were MSICU - adult and when I turned them down to work in peds BMT, I asked if there was anything that made me stand out to get those ICU offers. Both DON's said the fact that I had gone out the previous summer semester off and earned may ACLS certificate specifically to try to earn an ICU position was what made the decision in my favor.

So, I would suggest that you goggle ACLS and/or PALS, take those certifaction classes when you have time and then apply CONFIDENTLY to any ICU jobs that intrest you.