What can I do in an ICU?

[sik0123]

Hello!

I start nursing school this august, and was considering going to my local hospital to ask about internships and any sort of volunteer work I could do. I was specifically interested in the idea of being an ICU nurse, and I know that my ADN program would not specifically prepare me for this type of department. So, I would like to maybe intern and see if this is the type of department for me, and if so, would like to gain more experience and a higher comfort level with my surroundings. Perhaps I would even be able to work my way up to an ICU department a little quicker with this sort of exposure and networking. The thing is, I'm not sure what sort of position or duties I would be eligible to do within an ICU. I do have a CNA certification, and if the department allows me to volunteer there, I would like to be useful to them in any way I can. What would I be allowed to do? For those who are ICU nurses - does your hospital allows students to volunteer in your department? What could I do to help you the most and establish myself in this department?

[rotteluvr31, ADN, RN]

We have no volunteers in our department. I am not sure volunteers would be allowed to do pt care due to liability issues. However, our dept does hire interns. They need to be a year out from graduation with the plan that they would transition into the unit after graduation. Our interns have come from both BSN and ADN programs. There is only one intern hired every 6 - 12 months so the competition is fierce. Check the job postings for your facility. Perhaps they also have the same type of program.

[pharmgirl]

I was hired last summer as an extern and was able to float to all areas. When they discovered that I really enjoyed the Icu, they tended to put me there on a more permanent basis. Look for an externship that would get your foot in the door and slowly express your interest in the unit