With graduation right around the corner, I started applying to jobs over Winter break senior year. I slaved over my nursing portfolio to include all of my clinical skills, certifications (Basic Life Support and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale), and updated resume. I was unsure of which area of nursing interested me most. I had thoroughly enjoyed my psych and postpartum clinicals, and yet I knew I should get a solid background in technical skills before going into either specialty. I then reflected on my past education experiences and realized that I learn best by diving in. I decided critical care would be an optimal field to immerse myself in to gain skills and experience. Evidence-based practice was also key. I wanted to be using the most cutting-edge and effective interventions to care for my patients.
I did immense research into Ohio’s top hospitals’ professional practice models (PPM), which identify the hospital’s mission statement and values. I starred hospitals whose PPMs included evidence-based practice, patient safety, and synergy. I started applying to positions at the top teaching hospitals in Ohio, especially the ones offering critical care fellowships and internships to ease new grads into the practice. I interviewed for critical care new grad residency programs at both Riverside and Cleveland Clinic. During interviews, I took advantage of the opportunity managers gave me to ask them questions. I’d ask what their newest evidence-based practice initiatives were, what their patient satisfaction scores were, what their new-grad retention rate was, and most importantly- what resources would they have for me as a new grad?
I knew that The Wexner Medical Center placed all new graduate nurses into a residency program, but was not aware of any programs specific to critical care. I did interview for several Medical/Surgical RN positions at an interview fair (similar to speed dating) at Wexner Medical Center because I was familiar with the hospital from my PCA/SNA (nurse’s aide) job. In addition, I liked that Wexner Medical Center was unionized and had excellent retirement and professional development benefits.
During this process, I met with my PCA/SNA manager, seeking advice and tactics for interviews. When I expressed my interest in critical care, she mentioned that she had been developing a program to introduce new grads to the ICU Float Pool. My interest was peaked, and I submitted an application and interviewed for the position. Shortly after walking the field for my graduation, I received news that I had been offered jobs at both Cleveland Clinic and Wexner Medical Center, including the pilot New Grad ICU Float position. I eagerly accepted the ICU Float position at OSU Wexner Medcial Center and have never regretted it.
Kate Best is 2015 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Nursing.
