What are my chances of getting into an ICU?

[The0Walrus, BSN, RN]

I am going to hit 6 months soon as a psych nurse. During that time I also worked at an agency for LTC patients. The ICU at the hospital I work at said they would have no problem with taking me into the ICU once I finish my probationary period and said I can shadow a nurse before my probation period ends. In case that doesn't work out, what are my chances to land an ICU job with my experience?

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Hard to say without knowing the facilities you're looking at. Some hiring managers may have experience they think is essential to getting the job, others may be more interested in finding any nurses that want to work there. That being said, the transition you're looking to make isn't the easiest. Six months isn't very long, psych and LTC don't usually present with very acute patients, and ICU requires strong assessment skills. It can certainly be done, but it will have to be a facility and staff that really want to put the effort into a strong orientation. Good luck.