Phoenix New Grad ICU?

diveRN · Apr 3, 2008

ICUs vary greatly. In terms of acuity, the ICU where I used to work is pretty close to the PCU in the facility I'm in now.

That said, I would only suggest an ICU position for a new grad IF, and with only one exception as noted below, the facility where you want work has some sort of formal preceptorship or training program designed for new grads. My only exception to this is if the new grad was a paramedic or has had significant military medic training.

Remember, patient safety is an overriding concern and learning how to effectively manage critical patients is not something new grads with little or no experience can safely do.

Sorry, can't be of help.

Hoozdo, ADN · Apr 3, 2008

The Phoenix VA has a 6 month orientation for their ICUs. As a new grad, you need that long of an orientation to adapt to that environment.

bridgfor428 · Apr 3, 2008

The Phoenix VA has a 6 month orientation for their ICUs. As a new grad, you need that long of an orientation to adapt to that environment.

Thanks for your help!. do you know if it is very competitive to get into these types of new graduate icu programs in phoenix?

Hoozdo, ADN · Apr 4, 2008

Thanks for your help!. do you know if it is very competitive to get into these types of new graduate icu programs in phoenix?

It might be since your out-of-state. Typically, a student does a prececptorship in the last semester in the same ICU in which they are hired. You might get lucky though. When you search for jobs online, just see if they accept new grads.

MsBruiser · Apr 4, 2008

Lots of students in my class got jobs in an ICU - many without even working as an extern prior to graduation. Any facility worth its salt will have some sort of formal preceptorship program. Try Banner or St. Joe's...Just go online and apply. Should be no problem finding an ICU job as a new grad.

bridgfor428 · Apr 4, 2008

thanks a lot stopnik, that's very helpful and encouraging. i will check those places out.

boomerfriend · Apr 5, 2008

Have you considered pediatric ICU? I'm currently in the orientation program for the PICU at Phoenix Children's Hospital. They have an extensive orientation with loads of training and preceptorship. They are hiring for the June cohort now (for those new grads from the May class). It's quite competitive but I do have to say that three out of the 55 of us are from out of state. Check it out: http://www.phoenixchildrens.com/employment/nursing/ It is called the GAPP program. I'm thrilled with the training I've received so far. Good luck. Tell them I sent you!

KatieRN04 · Apr 5, 2008

Banner is know for hiring lots of new grads into thier ICU's. In fact, on any given unit, there are probably more new grads than nurses with 4 or 5 years or more of experience. I know of one specific area, where new grads make up 80%-90% of the staff.

bridgfor428 · Apr 5, 2008

Banner is know for hiring lots of new grads into thier ICU's. In fact, on any given unit, there are probably more new grads than nurses with 4 or 5 years or more of experience. I know of one specific area, where new grads make up 80%-90% of the staff.

thanks katie. do you know if these positions are contigent on the new grad doing their preceptorship in the same hospital though? i will be leaving colorado after i graduate, and i think i can get an icu preceptorship in a denver icu, but of course i can't do any preceptorship in phoenix without quitting my rn program. thanks a lot for your help!

MsBruiser · Apr 10, 2008

Banner is know for hiring lots of new grads into thier ICU's. In fact, on any given unit, there are probably more new grads than nurses with 4 or 5 years or more of experience. I know of one specific area, where new grads make up 80%-90% of the staff.

Ain't that the truth...

missrisa77 · Apr 11, 2008

Lots of students in my class got jobs in an ICU - many without even working as an extern prior to graduation. Any facility worth its salt will have some sort of formal preceptorship program. Try Banner or St. Joe's...Just go online and apply. Should be no problem finding an ICU job as a new grad.

Thanks for the info! I will be graduating in March, and I would love to get an ICU position right out of school. This makes me feel a little better about openings available.