RDavis, RN-BSN

For those of you who received the email stating you are a finalist, does your portal account look different online or does it still say something like Being Reviewed?

It is a very controversial topic of a new grad going directly into an ICU. But Im here to tell you that I did 6 years ago, was successful, now work in a very demanding ICU as a charge nurse, and am applying to the CRNA program now. The reasons I was hired directly into the ICU were, I took an optional ICU course in nursing school while my classmates were at the beach, and I did an externship (an internship at a local hospital I did on my own). I was hired into that ICU that I completed my externship on. Good luck!

I am a charge RN in our Level 1 Trauma ICU in Jacksonville. Like mentioned before me, I would highly recommend becoming certified (CCRN).

I've been a Critical Care RN for 6 years. Each and everyday I step foot into the hospital, I learn something new. The day you stop learning, or dont have the desire to learn, is the day you should walk away. The ICU (no matter what specialty) is a very complex world. With that world, comes complex ppl. I work in a Level 1 Trauma ICU and we all joke that each one of us is a little off or a little crazy to come back everyday to work. I was once where you are. So were your preceptors. Keep that in mind. It took me well over a year to not wake up in the middle of the night terrified of my upcoming shift. The days I know Im in charge, I still carry around Imodium (but I would never reveal that to anyone on the unit!) You will get there! Time management is a skill that takes time to master. Good luck! If you want it badly enough, you will persevere and be great!