PantherSN

All this is true, but I just have to say that Metro (which seems to employ many happy nurses, whom also have a voice in the institution) do hire new graduates into the critical setting: SICU, CCU, MICU etc. As far as the turnover rate, I'm sure that is also true. But these hospital systems are also Magnet certified, and turnover rate is one of the considerations for this achievement. Surely it can't be that high? I do plan on "interviewing" a couple unit nurses (if possible for a couple minutes), but I guess I'm skeptical on how honest they'll really be. Never know who's listening over your shoulder you know? Well thanks again for all of your advice on the matter, I will definitely put some of it to use in the coming days.

Well thank you for giving me a little inside information on CCF. I guess my main concern is the sufficiency of the orientation program for new graduates. I really want to start in the critical care setting, but I simply will not do it if I feel the training is inadequate. I actually just got off the phone with Metro (had only briefly looked them over) and I'll be having an interview with them as well (pay is a little less to, though of course this will not be the deciding factor). Yeah I know what you mean about the "medical household", we have 2 MD's, 1 NP and 2 RN's. Of course this does me no good in trying to dissect the hospital systems in Cleveland. I was also concerned that UH has a ratio of 2-3, especially as a new graduate. Granted, the most likely scenario will consist of 1 very critical and 2 less critical, but in the ICU setting those 2 can turn very critical at any time. We'll see how the interviews go.

So what "problems" do you speak of? Are you a former employee of either institution or is this what you've heard from other people?

Thanks for the advice. I had my first interview and it went really well. I'll be meeting with the Nurse Manager in about a week for another interview/tour of the unit. I just hope their orientation program is up to par.

Well I spoke with CCF today and they do have new grad orientation, you just apply for any RN position and they incorporate it. I went ahead and applied, hopefully they can schedule something while I'm already there. I've been thinking about it, and I would hate to limit myself with just one interview and be forced to base my decision on only that encounter. CCF orientation is a bit shorter (8-10wks), but maybe it's more involved. We'll see! Thanks for entertaining my questions, I was beginning to wonder if anyone would ever respond. I reposted the same question with "Murse" in the title cause I thought it might catch a little more attention.

No, no, no. I'm originally from KS, so I know all about corn fields and wheat fields. I just never really even thought of OH as somwhere I would live, so I was unsure what to expect (usually I research a place, Houston for instance). It was a last minute move, so we found out about it when we got there. Although, we are fortunate in that one of our best friends recently moved there with his fiance for a job change (historical preservation architect). Cleveland is a great place for that to, so much history, I love it. I can't say that I have explored Columbus yet, just driven through on the way up to Cleveland. What is it that you like more about Columbus? I actually thought about looking for jobs down there, but I REALLY don't want to make the commute. The 20 week program sounds good over the phone, but you never know. I inquired, but not much info was conveyed about the specifics (class time before going to the floor, does patient load increase progressively etc). We'll see!

First of all, thank you so much for your advice. Well, I applied for a new grad position in the CICU at University on friday. Surprisingly they called me on monday morning for a phone interview, which I did today. She said I'm going to be recommended to the CICU nurse manager as a candidate, and they would like me to come up for another interview/shadow the unit and so on. I plan on flying up there on Oct. 12th to see what they're going to offer me. It sounds like they have a fairly committed orientation program (although it's new) for new graduates, which is 20 weeks long. So far it is sounding like a mutually beneficial relationship (I would like to attend a master's program at Case in the future). My fiance just started Law school at Cleveland State, so that's why I'll be making the trip up north. I've been up there a couple of times now, and I must say it's much more than I ever imagined for Ohio. We got a place in Lakewood, which seems like a really cool little area with a lot of culture. I have read through a lot of forums on Cleveland Clinic, and the general consensus seems to be that they don't treat the nursing staff very well. Maybe it's better that I'm leaning more toward University. Also, I've been looking but I can't find any specific new grad/intern programs in their job listings. Not sure if they're just full or if I need to just follow up with a phone call. Anyway, I'm really excited to fly out and see what comes of this interview. So you've been an RN for a year? How has it been so far (did you feel overwhelmed, or like you weren't ready)?

Hello, I'm interviewing for CICU, and I was hoping someone might be able to give me a heads up on what they might ask. I mean, do you think that I need to brush up on drugs, complications of disease etc? I'm a student and will be graduating in December. Thanks for you advice!

Hello, I was hoping someone might give me advice on Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. I'm moving there as a new grad in December, and I'm trying to decide which institution to work for. If anyone has any info on salary, shifts, orientation for new grads etc, I would really appreciate it. Thank you!