Switch from ER Tech to ICU CNA - Would it help get a new grad job?

[BiscuitStripes, BSN, RN]

I'm one year into my ABSN program and have one year left. I currently work in an ER as an ER Tech and have previously worked on a med-surg-tele floor at the same hospital. I do enjoy working in the ER and I think as a tech, it's probably one of the better places to be because I get to do a lot of hands on patient care including wound care, helping with procedures, and splinting fractures.

Prior to nursing school, I thought I wanted to work in the ER, but through school and working in the ER, I've decided I would rather work in an ICU as an RN. Would it be beneficial to try and find a tech/CNA job in an ICU or step down unit to work for my last year of school to help me get into an ICU new grad position, or should I just stay in the ER?

Thanks for any insight!

[coldbrewprn, BSN, RN]

Hi there!

Just a question.. how long have you been with your ER tech job? I think it might look a little sketchy if you've only been there for a short time and you're bouncing from job to job. But on the contrary, if you've maybe expressed this to your manager and have their blessing AND there's an opening in the ICU, then by all means, you should make the switch!!

Regardless, what I have learned from my nursing program and working as a CNA is ANY internal experience in a hospital puts your foot in the door. Whether it's transporter to house keeping. If someone in that hospital can talk highly about you to write you a letter of recommendation or be a reference to you, you're already 5 steps in front of the next candidate. You can also talk about your experience as an ER tech to your advantage if you do end up interviewing for a new grad position in the ICU - like your ability to handle stressful situations and stuff like that. Hiring managers like any sort of hospital experience before applying for new grad positions and the fact that you've already worked in two departments in the hospital already gives you a ton of it!!

Good luck to you!! ?

[BiscuitStripes, BSN, RN]

I worked on Med-Surg for 3 months and had to leave the hospital for personal reasons. That was a couple of years ago. I returned and have been in the ER now for about 7 months. There's not any openings at our hospital in the ICU for techs/CNAs, so I'd have to apply to other hospitals.