What are the chances???

Jamara, I am a new grad myself. I can tell you that many hospitals, at least in my area, have programs that help new grads transition into these positions. Some hospitals that are hard up for nurses don't require experience. Also, it seems that there are mixed reactions from expeienced nurses, just so you know.

I just gradutated in Dec and started in SICU. I was a tech there throughout nursing school, that really helped me secure the position. There were 3 nurses hired to work in the MICU that are in my nursing orientation. There are many hospitals that offer orientations to new nurses in the critical care areas. A key to starting in ICU as a new nurse is a good orientation and a good preceptor to work with for several months. You can check with nurse recruiters or hospital websites to see if they hire new nurses into ICU.

My hospital has a program for new grads to get into the ER-you orient for 9 months, then have a preceptor for 1, then you're out on your own--generally. If you need more time, you get it--within reason, of course.

Another hospital I was looking at had a one year orientation for new grads where you actually rotate through all main services-OB, MICU, SICU, Tele, Ortho, Peds, etc, then start your ER preceptorships. I thought that was a pretty sweet deal.

Keep in mind though, that for prolonged orientation programs, you're often paid less, but it's a fair trade off, IMO.

Good luck!

New grad hired into ICU. My orientation program is designed for new grads and lasts six months.