Oregon ICU RNs out there

[bridgfor428]

Can anyone from OR tell me about what type of new grad atmosphere there is for ICU prospects--MICU, SICU, CVICU, neuro...all types of adult icus/ccus.

i live in denver and will get my bsn at the end of 2008 and am considering portland. it looks like i would have at least one opportunity to work in an icu as a new grad rn here (denver), but i think a lot of that is owed to the relationships i've made here.

is portland, or orgeon in general, friendly to new grads in their icus? are the positions contigent upon completing an internship with them, or prior rn experience? or stepping stone experience, like a tele floor or trauma? i am working a paid nurse extern position in a step down unit (with some trachs, vents, neuro trauma and telemetry) now, and am confident i can do my academic practicum in a level one icu...but all in denver. any ideas about my chances, or the best ways to proceed in portland?

thank you so much for any input! i've noticed that the city you live in can be quite transparent about the nursing profession, but trying to research another city from afar is like walking around a room feeling for a light switch.

[Leaninstreet]

It is hard to say due to your location. I got an ICU job at a level one hospital but I think it helped me a lot that I worked there, did clinical there, and made some connections. Good luck!

[NicoleInHisWill]

You migh try checking out OHSU (in Portland) and Salem Hospital (in Salem which is about an hour south of Portland). I believe that both have new-grad preceptorship positions in the ICU.