Tips for becoming a solid CC nursing candidate...

Specialties MICU

Published

I would love some feedback regarding skills that are high on the priority list for a student candidate looking to work in a critical care unit. Work as a student PCT. Check. Get into a step down unit for beginner basics and getting my feet wet. Check. ACLS certification, with other complementary certifications. Check. Affiliations with organizations for networking, learning opportunities, etc. Check. Please don't be shy; I am interested in details. For instance, what would you have preferred a heads-up on beforehand, when YOU were a candidate? What is most frustrating to you about fresh meat in the unit? What do you appreciate about new grads?

Thank you, Cruffler. I honestly do appreciate "blunt", and my frustration was mostly about the fact that I never asked about interview styles or preparation for an interview. It IS unfortunate that my personality will dictate whether or not I get the job, since I can be (not always) socially awkward to a fault. Your clarification makes much more sense to me; your summary of expectations is entirely more realistic to me than my preconceived notions of what I'm expected to know as a cc candidate, whether I'm a new nurse or not. To be sure, I AM putting the cart before the horse, but only in theory. I wanted to know what there is to know, and if there is a way to know it before I am in it. And now I know there is not a way around experience and relationships. This was really great feedback; just what I was looking for. Thank you.

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