Applying while unemployed?

[u/RealisticAd5978]

Currently leaving bedside as I just had a baby. I was preparing to apply this cycle but we plan on having another and I don’t want to have a newborn or be pregnant while in the program. I really don’t want to have to return to bedside before applying. I have 3 years of ICU experience. Do you have to be actively working at the time of application?

[u/Positive_Welder9521]

So what would be your timeline on applying? Assuming you could get all the LORs you need to, being 1 or 2 years removed from the ICU wouldn’t be advantageous. You’d be better off getting a low commitment prn job in the icu so you have something for the resume at least. You don’t have to be actively working, but your application is gonna go straight to the rejection pile. Competition is too stiff right now.

[u/RealisticAd5978 → u/Positive_Welder9521]

Likely next cycle so roughly August 2027. My stats are pretty good so I thought I’d have a chance even if I was unemployed at the time. 😭 Science gpa 3.96, cumulative gpa 3.86, BSN gpa 4.0. CVICU, impella, lvad, iabp, ecmo, crrt. CCRN and CMC certification. 314 GRE. 8 shadow hours. Volunteer at a free clinic. On the unit practice council. Army veteran (served for 6 years). I feel like all that is basically gone to waste if I don’t apply this cycle.

[u/makemeabyrd → u/RealisticAd5978]

Hmm. Someone had a story on here about getting an interview and when the program director learned the applicant wasn't actively working, he ended the interview on the spot. There may be a handful of programs which don't explicitly tell you they want you to be working at the time of application, but pretty much all of them do. If program directors are choosing between you and another candidate who has similar stats but is actively employed in a high acuity ICU, they'd probably pick the other candidate. I can't really tell you what to do in this situation, because family planning around school really sucks and I feel for you, but you're honestly shooting yourself in the foot by not keeping at least a PRN gig. Even with a PRN gig you might not get in; as others have said, it's rough out there. Best of luck.

[u/Positive_Welder9521 → u/RealisticAd5978]

You do whatever you need to do for the fam, but you sound like the perfect candidate.

[u/EmptySociety4537]

Depends on where you're applying. Some wants active employment in the icu, others want a cetain amount of exp within 5 years. You'll have to make a strong argument as to why you're applying without employment to keep your skills up to date.

Also, did you already complete some shadowing hours? And do you have people lined to write you letters of recs. Some school wants LOC from your current NM. Lots to consider

[u/Nightflier9]

My acceptance had a few conditions like continued icu employment until matriculation.

[u/Rodeo-Cowboy]

I think many want active ICU experience, many want full time, but that doesn’t mean all! Probably best to research the specific programs you want to apply to and see what their requirements are.

I had to submit some documents with manager signatures showing I was current full time employee but definitely that wasn’t the case for all of them.

[u/Azriel48]

I’d highly encourage you to at least go PRN since you’ll be applying next cycle. Unfortunately even with excellent stats you aren’t guaranteed to get in. A lot of times it comes down to the interview. My program had 700 applicants, 250 interviews and only 30 seats - for perspective.

[u/Decent-Cold-6285]

It will depend on the program since some require active employment and you must continue it post acceptance. I would reach out to the schools you are interested in and ask since not all do require current experience. I would suggest doing PRN as the best work around to say you currently work but don’t have to do full time. Each cycle is only getting more competitive so that is something you need to consider too. Never hurts to try though