What certifications should new grads get before applying to ICU positions?
None besides ACLS AND BLS. Then do six months or orientation and you’ll be fine. My hospital took new grads to icu under that premise. We also had extra education built in during orientation 4 hours a week of ECCO. But for those who say you can’t start as a new grad in the icu or you MUST work on her floor for two years they are wrong. I did it. And I did it all while starting in the middle of a pandemic. Started March 2020.
I'd recommend getting BLS, ACLS, NIH. As you start your career you'll get opportunities to learn more specific tasks and get additional certifications. i.e. ultrasound guided IVs, CRRT, hypothermic patient management.
I wouldn't worry all that much about certifications beyond the basics though. Focus on interview prep & creating a great resume. Once you land the job that's where the learning really happens.
I believe a set of questions to figure if ICU is a good fit should be required, think like a psych evaluation before a job hire. What’s the worst trauma they have experienced? What would you do if: patient is dying? Patient has no family? Patient has a lot of family? Doctor not listening? Family not listening? These need to be addressed before they are on their own.
I would also say a drug competency, in ICU we use ALOT of drugs that can be harmful if not calculated, administered, and monitored correctly.
Team building exercise/class completion… you have no idea how important your relationship with your coworkers is until it’s 2am and your team is trying to save a 23 year old.
None really. The ones stated above are what you need at this till. Concentrate on your first few months in ICU. You’ll learn so much and you’ll get plenty of time to work towards certifications.
You’re fine with BLS and ACLS. I would also highly recommend joining the AACN. Though there’s a membership fee, it shows you’re committed to being an ICU nurse and that you’re interested in your own professional development.
BLS, ACLS, PALS if going into peds, TCRN if going into trauma and get started on your CCRN
good luck
Definitely agree getting your CPR, BLS, ACLS, Bloodbourne Pathogens and Certification that can prepare you for the journey. Being Medical Assistant or some type of State Certifications as well would get you better prepared as well.
ACLS, BLS, EKG
None! They will provide them and pay for them as part of your orientation. You probably already have BLS from school; don’t spend your own money on others.
ACLS and BLS. Membership in AACN and I would start their Orientation Program. Shows you are dedicated to working in Critical Care.
ACLS, BLS and American heart stroke certification and telemetry/ekg certification. These are basics and most hospitals will provide the education, training, and certifications.
None. You can’t get a CCRN until you work a certain number of hours. Make sure you have BLS and the hospital should train you in ACLS.
