dontae, we share a similar background and ambitions. I was in the OR for a year before deciding to leave and pursue CRNA. I interviewed at a few different hospitals for an ICU position with no luck. Being an OR nurse, they considered me a "new grad" level and didn't want to put in the training I needed to become an ICU nurse. I then transferred to the Tele unit at my hospital. Been there since June and have learned a lot. I'm just waiting now for an ICU position to open up...I don't really want to leave my current hospital.
As it turns out, Tele was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. Other nurses complain that it's TOO BUSY. You and I both know that we're just continuing the same busy pace we had in the OR. I was used to running for 12 hours as an OR circulator. One morning (I work nights) an agency nurse said "If I wanted to work this hard, I'd have joined a chain gang!". I don't think he'll be back to our floor. What a wussy.
I have a little more time to go before I'm ready. I'm just now starting an RN-BSN program. You seem to have all your ducks in a row. Don't worry. With a little Tele experience under your belt, you'll find an ICU position with no probs at another facility if this one keeps stringing you along. Most will consider previous Tele experience above other med/surg type experience.
Anne

Remember :
Your comfort zone just gets bigger every time you step outside of it. If you can learn to be an OR nurse, you can learn the floor.
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