Torn

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · May 13, 2015

Is the ICU program 'locked in' for a specific time period or does it hinge on you meeting specific outcome criteria? If it's the latter, you could possibly shorten that time frame by meeting the orientation/training goals early. With your background as an LVN, this seems like it would be very do-able for you. It's sometimes very difficult to make the switch to ICU later on, so I would advise you to see if you can negotiate the more flexible option & then go for it.

Kaligirl02, ADN, BSN, MSN, LVN, RN, APRN, NP · May 13, 2015

Is the ICU program 'locked in' for a specific time period or does it hinge on you meeting specific outcome criteria? If it's the latter, you could possibly shorten that time frame by meeting the orientation/training goals early. With your background as an LVN, this seems like it would be very do-able for you. It's sometimes very difficult to make the switch to ICU later on, so I would advise you to see if you can negotiate the more flexible option & then go for it.

Thank you HouTx!

Yes, it is a mandatory 4 month residency. You are right about transitioning to ICU later on, I have read on here some of the hoops people have to go through in order to cross train. I think my answer is obvious, but I'm just nervous about the the package that comes with my decision. What would you do? I do feel like I will be getting superb training with the residency program and it is my dream job... I just don't want to be poor and hungry for 4 months. I do understand why it's so low during training though.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

INN_777, BSN, RN · May 13, 2015

Although I don't understand why either position wouldn't give you benefits from the stat, I think that 4 months of half pay is a small price for living your dream. 4 months fly by fast! I say go for it! (the ICU that is)

AspiringNurseMW · May 13, 2015

If you have no family to care for/huge bill you would fall behind, and can survive for 4 months, go for ICU. I think it will be well worth it and in the span of life 4 months is absolutely nothing. 4 months of budgeting is totally doable in my opinion.

Everline · May 13, 2015

What is the story with such low pay and such a delay for benefits? I'm glad you understand it, because I don't. I know there are new grad residencies, even in the ICU, that pay a regular wage during training and give benefits much sooner. But they many require a contract so perhaps that's the difference. Anyway, that salary would give me pause. A lot of pause. I understand that you want to be an ICU nurse and this is your ticket in, so maybe that should be highest concern. Only you can decide that. You have to think about whether you can afford to work under those circumstances. If you can, then I guess go for it!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 13, 2015

If working in critical care is your dream, my suggestion is to accept the ICU new grad residency offer for the low pay. Meanwhile, maintain a PRN position in home health that will enable you to supplement your income and perhaps live more comfortably.

Mavrick, BSN, RN · May 13, 2015

Sounds like they have been burnt with new ICU nurses not working out and they have wasted money in attempting to train them. That is usually just the price you pay for a poor selection process but no matter, if they want to try to save money by negotiating for less then it's up to you to decide whether you can live with the terms.

Could you negotiate a retroactive pay consideration? You could kind of make your own contract, after six months you would get the money as a bonus. It wouldn't help in the short term but it would give you an incentive to stay and use the valuable training you got in a hospital that needs a well trained ICU nurse. An ICU residency for a new grad is a pretty juicy opportunity. I agree, four months will fly by with you learning a skill that you can use for life.

I vote go ICU and live the dream!

NicuRN628 · May 13, 2015

I know of a very large hospital system, the Cleveland Clinic, that starts new RNs at a salary similar to this, though the insurance does kick in sooner.... Good luck!

Kaligirl02, ADN, BSN, MSN, LVN, RN, APRN, NP · May 13, 2015

Thank you all for the advice. I misread the the benefits package for the ICU, it starts after the Residency ends. I think I am going to stay with the ICU residency, spoke with the director about the success rate of the new grads on the floor and he said about 75%, so I'm not too sure if that is the reason for the low pay. Maybe as a company as a whole? Do you guys think it is possible to actually do the three 12's, and 8 hr education class and do a prn shift every week?

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

Kaligirl02, ADN, BSN, MSN, LVN, RN, APRN, NP · May 13, 2015

If you have no family to care for/huge bill you would fall behind, and can survive for 4 months, go for ICU. I think it will be well worth it and in the span of life 4 months is absolutely nothing. 4 months of budgeting is totally doable in my opinion.

Nope, just me and my lonesome! I think you are right, I'm just going to jump in!

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

Kaligirl02, ADN, BSN, MSN, LVN, RN, APRN, NP · May 13, 2015

What is the story with such low pay and such a delay for benefits? I'm glad you understand it, because I don't. I know there are new grad residencies, even in the ICU, that pay a regular wage during training and give benefits much sooner. But they many require a contract so perhaps that's the difference. Anyway, that salary would give me pause. A lot of pause. I understand that you want to be an ICU nurse and this is your ticket in, so maybe that should be highest concern. Only you can decide that. You have to think about whether you can afford to work under those circumstances. If you can, then I guess go for it!

I'm not too sure why either. I will get a higher base pay once the 4 months are done with so I guess I'll suck it up and deal. I really do not understand the whole lack of benefits thing, I'll probably ask the recruiter when I give them my answer. Thank you for the response!

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses