? regarding ICU experience before program...(m)

Im not sure, but our ICU takes new grads... in fact, the unit took one RN last year and will take 2 RN's this year. (One of which is me ) I think it depends on staffing, the area, and level of the facility. Good Luck! ~Ivanna

The CVICU I currently work in hired 29 new BSN grads last year (2006) and so far 9 new BSN grads this year (2007) with more to come this summer...this is a major heart center in the Texas Medical Center in Houston. I have an ADN but 2 years of experience. My hospital does not hire any new ADN grads though.

Our ICU hires new grads 6-12 at a time, twice a year. I found it was really easy to get an ICU job as a new grad.

-S

I'm asking you guys first because you guys have already made it thru your programs. My question is, Do ICU's take new grad nurses straight out of school? What can I do to get in with out having to wait a year or so before being allowed to work in an ICU or Med/Surg? What are you opinions on this?

Thanks everyone in advance

quinn

I would look into any hospitals that offer Critical Care Internship programs specifically for new grads. I was just recently hired into one and I will be working in the CVICU. The program offers over 40 hours of classroom work and about 3.5 months of orientation. However, a requirement for the internship was that you have at least 6 months as a tech/extern in an ICU setting. Having ICU tech/extern experience was extremely helpful -I had 3 ICU (CVICU, CICU, SICU) offers. Best of luck to you.

The hospital I formerly worked at had a program for new grads. They worked in each ICU (MICU, SICU, NICU, BICU) as they were being trained, however they had to sign a two year contract. At the end of their training they were able to submit an application at the ICU they enjoyed most. This program benefited both the new grads and the hospital. The new grads were able to get experience in all fields and the hospital was able to float them to which ever unit they pleased. Keep looking. You will find the ICU/ hospital you want right out of school.

I would look into any hospitals that offer Critical Care Internship programs specifically for new grads. I was just recently hired into one and I will be working in the CVICU. The program offers over 40 hours of classroom work and about 3.5 months of orientation. However, a requirement for the internship was that you have at least 6 months as a tech/extern in an ICU setting. Having ICU tech/extern experience was extremely helpful -I had 3 ICU (CVICU, CICU, SICU) offers. Best of luck to you.

Hey me too (CVICU)! Woo for new grads!

Hey me too (CVICU)! Woo for new grads!

Awesome, congrats and good luck! :) I'm excited to start!

Awesome, congrats and good luck! :) I'm excited to start!

Hey all! This information is really helpful and the thread answered one of my questions perfectly!

I was just wondering if anyone could answer my other question: does it really matter what type of ICU experience you get when you are applying for CRNA schools? Can it be cardiac, neuro, surgical, adult/pediatric/neonatal...etc? Or will any experience in an ICU unit be accepted? Is one preferred over another? Thanks all!

I was told by several program directors that they prefer the CVICU over other ICUs.

No - not really. The important thing is the type of patients you have. Unstable patients are your friend. Most schools told me to find an ICU that did lots of swans and pressors. When I was interviewing, one interviewer told me that trauma ICU was completely worthless because all you do is throw in blood products and fluids. Not sure I agree with him, but I do see where he was coming from. As a CRNA it's your job to manage the patient in the OR - whether it be a 20 yo appy or a 90 yo heart - that's really what your ICU experience is for.

-S

I was told by several program directors that they prefer the CVICU over other ICUs.

Forgive me for asking, but which unit is CVICU exactly? (I don't know all the acronyms yet!) Thanks for the advice!

My question is, Do ICU's take new grad nurses straight out of school?

I'm a nursing student and have wondered the same thing. Several smaller rural hospitals in my area (West-central Ohio) require at least one year on a med/surg floor, some even require two years.

However, the bigger cities/hospitals do hire new grads into the ICU. They usually offer a 1-year internship and give you PALS and ACLS training (etc).

Forgive me for asking, but which unit is CVICU exactly? (I don't know all the acronyms yet!) Thanks for the advice!

Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit