Pathway to becoming an CVICU RN

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Specializes in Trauma, Cardiac Cath/Special procedures.

I'm a new grad with 8 months experience in a LTAC. I've cared for pts with new trachs, vents, critical drips, IV ABT, and wound care. It's all very nice but my passion is cardiology!! I sooooooo want to get into a CVICU or even to the cath lab! Before RN school, I worked as a PCA in the Emergency Departments at some of our busiest ER, and I would like to know, what the RN managers look for when considering someone for their unit.

Thanks in advance for any and all responses!!:nurse:

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Specializes in CCU, ER, MS, Wound, Psych.

Well, I know on our unit we DO hire new grads, but I would say just make sure you let them know that this is the area you are passionate about.

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I don't know anything about new grads. I'm a recruiter and I usually work with experience personnel in many different hospitals. I can ask one of the Cath Lab Nurse Manager that I'm currently working with.

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Specializes in Trauma, Cardiac Cath/Special procedures.

:)Thank you so much. I'm going through ACLS now, and I started looking at the CCRN exam. Thank you again for your reply!

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Specializes in Mechanical Circulatory Support.

I was hired as a new grad but I worked in the ICUs as a student. one of the RNs in my orientation worked in a LTAC facility for a year; she was hired as a float ICU nurse. It sounds like you're on the right track. :)

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Specializes in Trauma, Cardiac Cath/Special procedures.

thank you so much musician's wife!

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Specializes in CT Surgery / CCU.

We hire new grads on our unit too. I'm in a CCU, future hubs is in a CVICU. I started on CT stepdown for a year and a half. Just as critical, drips, but got more time management under my belt. I remember I expressed that cardiology was my passion. Good luck!

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