How can I get into the Critical Care Setting??

[heathmbev]

My first post:
I've been working as an RN for the past year, and prior to that I was a tech./CNA for over 15 yrs. I have a lot of practical knowledge from that time working in OHICU, cath. lab., cardio. med-surg., and now oncol. (daughter of a nurse and having "grown-up" in the healthcare setting). So, why is it so difficult to get into critical care?

I have the basics down and would very much like to return to the critical care arena, but there are no preceptorships available and everyone wants experienced RN's... how can I get the experience if I can't even get in??

I've been reviewing my critical care info. and am thinking of scheduling an interview with the manager of critical care services where I work. Does it sound cheesy to say that I'm boning up to "sell myself" and the skills I possess to be considered for a position??

I truly have a desire to improve on my nursing knowledge and would like to become a CC certified RN. Would much appreciate feedback with any suggestions!

[springsong]

Hello,
When I decided to work in ICU after being a med/surg nurse for 5 year, I registered to get a critical care courses in a community college. But if you can find a hospital that offers a preceptor program it would be better. Some hospitals offers preceptor program for new grad that you have to be with your preceptor for 6 months and at the same time you are being followed up by your educator and do educational classess. Critical care courses and EKG classes some hospitals offer it to their nurses it is a program offered by AACN. It cost about 2,800 and you can take it for a months in your own pace. In my institution we offer this to nurses new in ICU.

[sarabaudo]

I truly have a desire to improve on my nursing knowledge and would like to become a CC certified RN. Would much appreciate feedback with any suggestions!

Are you currently certified in your area of specialty? Showing a committment to excellence in your current area of nursing would really show your interest in the profession....IMO.

[heathmbev]

Thank you for your feedback! I've looking at our hospital's precepting program & it doesn't look like there is anything being offered at this point. I'll check in the community (local Colleges and such...) for programs to assist with preparation courses for the critical care setting.

[heathmbev]

I have not applied for Oncology certification (where I am currently) because I feel that cardiac nursing is my first love... I do plan on sitting for the med-surg. certification exam, as it will verify fundamental knowledge, would prefer to sit for cardiac cert. exam, but our unit is more "medical: oncology/hematology" in origin... even though chemotherapy and the multiple central lines make it, in fact, somewhat of a "critical care" type of unit. - greatly appreciate your "pearls of wisdom" and will continue to work toward certification a.s.a.p.- thanks so much for your ideas!

[heathmbev]

Thank you all for your suggestions.. Great news! Today marks my first year anniversary as an RN, and I will be starting on a cardio-thoracic surgery post-op unit... taking care of patients direct from CVRU; so this is a major milestone and I am looking forward to the challanges which lay ahead!! Dedication, devotion to our profession, and teamwork are the values which have carried me forward to achieve this position! Kudos everyone!!