What was your path to ICU after nursing school?

seansanf120 · Jun 15, 2011

Hi there,

I was actually in my preceptorship in my last semester as a nursing student when a position opened up in the PICU where I was doing my preceptorship. I applied, my preceptor talked to the nurse manager, I interviewed with the nurse manager, and later that week I got the job offer. Did you get into an ICU for your preceptorship? If you did, I would definatley ask your preceptor for a LOR for you if you apply elsewhere.

There are new grad positions in ICU's all over the country, you just have to find them. Good luck in your endevours.

Eiano · Jun 15, 2011

It's true, there are positions in ICUs all over. Just where do you think Anesthesia and some Acute Care NP programs get their students?

Anyway, I also did my final rotation in an ICU. I applied to about 6 places (3 were ICU), interviewed at 4 (3 were ICU) and eventually got into the one I did my final rotation in.

gydget · Jun 16, 2011

Thanks! I did a one-year accelerated BSN program, and did not have any clinical rotations in an ICU. I did have a three week rotation in a step down neurotrauma ICU, in which I have a potential job which starts in September, but I would LOVE to get a job in a unit first without having to begin on the step-down unit, so that I have the time to work two or three years in an ICU before starting CRNA school.

I hear of new students getting jobs in an ICU right away, but it seems like every ICU wants v. experienced nurses.

ICU, RN, BSN, B.S. · Jun 30, 2011

Hello. During my accelrated BSN (2nd Bachelor), there were no clinicals in the ICU. I got a job in a community hospital in Boston (faulkner hospital) affiliated with Brigham and Women's right when I got out of nursing school and worked there for almost 3 years on a Medical/telemetry floor. I just got hired in an ICU (MICU/SICU) at a Level 2 Trauma/Magnet Status hospital up in southern NH. Supposed to start working in a couple weeks. It took a while to get in the ICU for me at least. I took a 80 hour/6 week Critical Care Course last month, and having that on my resume DEFINITELY helped land me that job. Right after I accepted, I got 3 other calls for interviews at boston hospitals and one in NJ for medical/trauma ICU. I think if you have the opportunity to take a critical care course, you should. I know it helped me get my ICU job! :) good luck with your search.

gydget · Jun 30, 2011

Hello. During my accelrated BSN (2nd Bachelor), there were no clinicals in the ICU. I got a job in a community hospital in Boston (faulkner hospital) affiliated with Brigham and Women's right when I got out of nursing school and worked there for almost 3 years on a Medical/telemetry floor. I just got hired in an ICU (MICU/SICU) at a Level 2 Trauma/Magnet Status hospital up in southern NH. Supposed to start working in a couple weeks. It took a while to get in the ICU for me at least. I took a 80 hour/6 week Critical Care Course last month, and having that on my resume DEFINITELY helped land me that job. Right after I accepted, I got 3 other calls for interviews at boston hospitals and one in NJ for medical/trauma ICU. I think if you have the opportunity to take a critical care course, you should. I know it helped me get my ICU job! :) good luck with your search.

Thanks for your reply! I actually just found out yesterday that I will be starting in a step down neuro-trauma ICU in a few weeks, so the plan now is to work in that unit for a few years and then transition on to a year in a full ICU before applying to anesthesia school.

Congratulations to you on your new MICU/SICU job! And good luck!

ICU, RN, BSN, B.S. · Jul 1, 2011

Thanks for your reply! I actually just found out yesterday that I will be starting in a step down neuro-trauma ICU in a few weeks, so the plan now is to work in that unit for a few years and then transition on to a year in a full ICU before applying to anesthesia school.
Congratulations to you on your new MICU/SICU job! And good luck!

Congrats on your job too!! You will prob learn a ton!!! Thank you :)