Group Forums >> ICU >> need career path help!
need career path help!
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Posted almost 5 years ago How does a nursing student, which I am, prepare for becoming an ICU/CCU nurse? As I look at job postings, they all require @ least 1 yr in the dept. Any ideas? |
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| Posted almost 5 years ago Apply anyway. That is what they "prefer" you can sell yourself when you get there. Learn as much as you can about the area that you wnat to be in while in school. |
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| Posted almost 5 years ago I just graduated in May and I applied for a PCU (ICU step down) position. I was interviewed and they said they wanted me. I was told they weren't going to hire any new grads for this position, but due to my LPN experience they hired me over others. I'm excited to get going, I start 9/2. I get orientation in the ICU, so I'm on my way. ICU is my goal and the manager said if there is an opening I will be the one. Please don't pay any attention to my misspelled words or typos. Sorry I'll try harder next time. |
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| Posted almost 5 years ago If they want you bad enough, and if your academic record is exceptional, they'll hire you. I was kind of wary when 'they' pushed me into an ICU position when I graduated, me and four other graduates throughout our community. Granted, this demographic was a small rural community that desperately needed specialty nurses. Their staff, God bless-em, was willing to train us all, and off we went on our merry journeys in nursing. I wish you luck. |
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| Posted almost 5 years ago yaelviso says ...
Some hospitals offer an internship program where you work as an RN with a mentor ( internship)....similar to medical school graduating into an internship--already an MD but still doing hands on training. Some nursing internships run between 1 to 2 years. The pay is a little less; but mind you , you are being trained as well, so take that into consideration. Along with the internship , there usually is a contingency which is--- you have to work for the hospital, in this case, the CCU/ICU where you are doing your internship at for a couple of years after the actual internship, I believe. You would have to check with each institution. Another choice, is that of course, what Ginny had suggested which is to apply anyway. You can't lose anything. And ICU/CCU is all about assertive nurses. If they see that you really are interested, persistent but not overwhelming, and assertive enough (not aggressive). They may consider you. Another choice you can look into is to get your foot in the hospital of your choice. Apply for that ICU position whether it'd be night or day position ( if you're willing to sacrifice a little. Day positions could always open at any time). And also apply for a telemetry position which in fact is a very good idea. You can get your feet wet, believe me you will learn alot and learn prioritization. YOU WILL NEED IT in CCU/ICU. Alot of Critical Care Nurses like telemetry-trained nurses transferring to ICU because they have less problems with prioritization, they know their docs by then, they know the hospital system, they're less likely to panic and a bit more at ease with iv pumps and such. I personally love to teach/precept/mentor new grads. You new grads are like sponges and I can't tell you how much I enjoy teaching. The reason I suggested telemetry or maybe even ER would also be good, is that many hospitals have a transfer policy by which you can transfer to another unit after 6months in your current unit. I'm not sure if that includes orientation time. So, I say interview with both managers. And if you cant get into ICU at this time, then go for ER or Tele and get that 6months in. However, make sure you keep tabs on ICU openings and actually go see the manager in ICU and make your plans be known to her so that she doesn't bypass you for an outsider. Good Luck and hope that helps, Shae
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