Critical Care Internships for new grads?

U.S.A. Texas

Published

Hi Everyone,

I'm graduating from my ADN program in May 2010, looking at my degree plan I only have 4 more classes to take along with 2 more clinical rotations, so getting close. I was wondering if anyone knew any hospitals in TX that offer internships in Critical Care for new grads? Currently I'm in central texas, but am willing to relocate if offered that oppurtunity. Right now I work for the VA, but they're actually on a hiring freeze and I know it'll be tougher getting into ICU there. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg.
The Texas medical center in Houston is a great place to look! There are MANY ICU opportunities. I was offered the ICU positions I applied for and my classmates got ICU or the units of their choice as well. I ended up choosing a NICU position. While it was a little scary and intimidating applying for jobs, I disagree that the competition was cut throat--the tmc is HUGE and opportunities abound. I do have to say though, having just moved to Houston I am not sure how I feel about the city just yet....

Raerusse, I am relocating to Houston next year. Could you tell me what you think the pros and cons are about living in Houston? What area did you move to? I'm thinking about Katy, Kingswood, or Sugarland. How far are those from TMC? Thanks in advance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU Level III.
Raerusse, I am relocating to Houston next year. Could you tell me what you think the pros and cons are about living in Houston? What area did you move to? I'm thinking about Katy, Kingswood, or Sugarland. How far are those from TMC? Thanks in advance.

I know this wasn't to me, but I'm also in the med center so I can help a bit. Katy is a FAR drive into Houston and if you're on days, the traffic (i think) is pretty bad. Sugar Land would be about a 30 min drive (on nights)...and I'm really not sure how far Kingwood is. A big con of Houston is that the traffic is pretty bad all the time and the city is VERY spread out. Inner loop (610) is pretty compact and there is a LOT to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg.
I know this wasn't to me, but I'm also in the med center so I can help a bit. Katy is a FAR drive into Houston and if you're on days, the traffic (i think) is pretty bad. Sugar Land would be about a 30 min drive (on nights)...and I'm really not sure how far Kingwood is. A big con of Houston is that the traffic is pretty bad all the time and the city is VERY spread out. Inner loop (610) is pretty compact and there is a LOT to do.

Thanks for your reply NeoNurse. What do you mean there is a lot to do? Do you mean recreation wise? Also, do you know if it is tough for new grads from out of state to get hired on at the med center?

Thanks,

Rhollins

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU Level III.
Thanks for your reply NeoNurse. What do you mean there is a lot to do? Do you mean recreation wise? Also, do you know if it is tough for new grads from out of state to get hired on at the med center?

Thanks,

Rhollins

Yup, recreation wise! There are a lot of museums, biking seems to be popular here, there's a water park nearby, an active music scene and night life, etc etc.

I don't think it's any different for out of staters except for phone interviews. I know we had several in our last group of interns.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

NeoNurse, I am still adjusting right now I think. I just am not crazy about all the concrete (not the prettiest city) and traffic. It doesn't help that my house has a major bug problem and that it has been sooo hot. Also, I haven't quite gotten around to enjoying all the city has to offer and after more time I am sure I will enjoy it more.

Rhollins, I think the traffic is a huge con and if you want to live close and in a safe area you will pay for it (Living in West U would be ideal for me, but out of my price range to rent a house with a yard). That being said, The med center is incredible and Houston still does have about the highest pay vs cost of living you will find anywhere. There is also lots to do. I go to church in Sugar Land and think it would be a great place to live. I would have chosen to live there if my husband wasn't going to have to commute 6 days a week to the med center as well. The traffic shouldn't be too bad during off hours and you are only going 3 days a week so it would be worth it. Plus, even if you live in close it takes FOREVER to get anywhere! I live in Bellaire which is just outside the 610 loop and it was supposed to take me like 12 minutes to get to the med center but it's more like 20. Sugar Land is way nicer and you could actually get a house so I think it is a good option. I think you could still come in and enjoy the city easily from sugar land and possibly have the best of both worlds. Katy is too far and I have heard horror stories of commuting to the med center from the north. As far as getting a job, just pay attention to the dates, stay on top of things and apply early. I know that my hospital has hired several out of staters in our batch of interns. I think it's an asset because it sets you apart from other applicants and shows you have a specific interest in their hosptial coming from out of state. Research as much as you can about the hosptial and be ready to list the reasons you want to work at that hospital and on that particular unit. Good luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg.
Yup, recreation wise! There are a lot of museums, biking seems to be popular here, there's a water park nearby, an active music scene and night life, etc etc.

I don't think it's any different for out of staters except for phone interviews. I know we had several in our last group of interns.

Glad to know about the abundance of activities. My kids will love that!

Thanks so much for your replies.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry, Med-Surg.
NeoNurse, I am still adjusting right now I think. I just am not crazy about all the concrete (not the prettiest city) and traffic. It doesn't help that my house has a major bug problem and that it has been sooo hot. Also, I haven't quite gotten around to enjoying all the city has to offer and after more time I am sure I will enjoy it more.

Rhollins, I think the traffic is a huge con and if you want to live close and in a safe area you will pay for it (Living in West U would be ideal for me, but out of my price range to rent a house with a yard). That being said, The med center is incredible and Houston still does have about the highest pay vs cost of living you will find anywhere. There is also lots to do. I go to church in Sugar Land and think it would be a great place to live. I would have chosen to live there if my husband wasn't going to have to commute 6 days a week to the med center as well. The traffic shouldn't be too bad during off hours and you are only going 3 days a week so it would be worth it. Plus, even if you live in close it takes FOREVER to get anywhere! I live in Bellaire which is just outside the 610 loop and it was supposed to take me like 12 minutes to get to the med center but it's more like 20. Sugar Land is way nicer and you could actually get a house so I think it is a good option. I think you could still come in and enjoy the city easily from sugar land and possibly have the best of both worlds. Katy is too far and I have heard horror stories of commuting to the med center from the north. As far as getting a job, just pay attention to the dates, stay on top of things and apply early. I know that my hospital has hired several out of staters in our batch of interns. I think it's an asset because it sets you apart from other applicants and shows you have a specific interest in their hosptial coming from out of state. Research as much as you can about the hosptial and be ready to list the reasons you want to work at that hospital and on that particular unit. Good luck!!

Thanks so much for your reply Raerusse. I am going to visit next March to get an idea of the area I want to live in. I'm leaning towards Kingwood right now, but we'll see. I wish the public transportation system was better there, you know like a rail system. I hope gas prices aren't too high with as much traffic as you guys say is there. Regardless, I'm excited about moving there and really can't wait! I just hope I'll have a job when I make my move.

Take care,

rhollins

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment