Switching to Critical Care

vincejojo · Dec 16, 2009

When I graduated from nursing school I was assigned to an outpatient pediatric clinic by the US Public Health Service and didn't get to go right into ICU as I had hoped. When I left the service I tried to work ICU at a VA hospital but after interviewing they only offered me a psych position. Now I've been a psych nurse for a couple of years. I like psych nursing but really want to work ICU. I have not had much luck even landing an interview for an ICU position. Seems like they would rather hire new grads. Any advice?

I am sorry I am in no position to give you advice. I hope some experience nurse out there reply to your thread.

I have questions for you concerning the UPHS; Why did you leave the PHS? How long where you with them? why ICU now? And would you have start at the ICU first before joining the PHS?

Thanks.

rpw4031 · Dec 16, 2009

I left the USPHS because my wife and I wanted to be closer to home with our newborn daughter. We had been stationed on the Navajo reservation in AZ but are from KS. If it were not for being committed to the USPHS I would have tried getting on with the burn unit at KU Med in Kansas City when I graduated from nursing school. Now I'd be happy with any kind of ICU. Maybe it would be easier getting on with an ER, afterall there is psych involved, and then trying later to go into the ICU. Anyone out there go to ICU/ER from psych?

midinphx, BSN · Dec 17, 2009

There are critical care courses out there which are amazingly helpful in learning the essentials in ICU. It might help you look more dedicated and selfmotivated if you took one now, despite not working in the field. Look on line and at the community colleges.

rpw4031 · Dec 18, 2009

I did as you said and you are right, there are a number of courses out there, some even offer graduate school credit. That may just be my ticket! Thanks!

nrsgnerd · Dec 21, 2009

Utter persistence and try to get to know some of the people that work in the ICU if possible. Alot of times in nursing, networking can get you further than experience can. Start asking people you work with if they know anyone that works ICU, or call the HR dept of the institution you are applying and talk to someone there and explain your position. Keep an eye for job postings on the institutions website. My best to you.

nypsychnurse · Jan 13, 2010

I went from psych to NICU to ICU...persistance pays off, so does networking...a killer cover letter that expresses your desire to learn will also help...and don't forget to mention how your psych skills will come in handy with pt. families...(and some of your co-workers.) Good Luck!

tele_rn · Mar 29, 2010

I've been trying to transfer from a Step down unit to a MICU/CICU for the past year. I've worked as a RN on a cardiac step down unit for almost 5 years. I've done all the networking that I can possibly do- I know many of the RNs, APNs etc that work in the unit. They even tell me when to email and apply before the position is posted. Unfortunately every time I apply, the unit hires new grads or nurses with less experience. I dont want to give up, but I'm starting to feel like I'll never get this position. Any suggestions?

lkwashington · Mar 30, 2010

Maybe you need to go directly to the clinical coordinator or director of the unit to express your interest in the unit. Why are you applying? Maybe each facility is different. Because where I work if a position is open you can just put in a transfer. I know where I work there is possibility a transfer can be held up to 6 weeks. Just a thought.