Intermediate Trauma to TICU?

Specialties Critical

Published

Hi,

I want to know how difficult it is to go from an intermediate trauma unit to a Trauma ICU. I am pretty sure that the ICU will fulfill more of what I am looking for in nursing, but I hear people saying that the ICU's like having new grads that they don't have to retrain to think as an ICU nurse. I got my capstone in an intermediate Trauma unit and not an ICU, so I am worried that I may have a hard time getting to the ICU.

How hard is this?

What can I do, besides be a hard worker and have people like me, to up my chances of getting the job I want.

Thank you for any help!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Moved to the Critical Care forum for more replies.

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What exactly are you worried about? You need to be on top of things at all times in an ICU, as things change in a split second. Is it just Trauma or is Neuro or surgical combined with it?

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It is an Intermediate Trauma Unit. So it is not ICU. The worry is in the difficulty in getting into the ICU. I am assuming, a Trauma ICU as I will have 8 months on a Trauma Step Down for my IP placement for nursing school.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

Personally I don't like having to train someone to be a nurse while dealing with critical situations. Much better to have an experienced RN and build on established knowledge. That's just my opinion, but to think of experience -- especially stepdown -- as a detriment is stupid. But this placement is for school, correct? So when you are applying for positions, you will be starting as a new grad -- technically not with stepdown experience. I would think that your preceptorship *might* give you an edge compared to the next new grad, though. ICUs weren't even an option for our final practicum when I was in school (early 2000s.)

A good chunk of my unit was hired from our stepdown unit. My manager has also hired people from psych, L&D, med-surg, even one from LTC. She hires a very occasional new grad...I want to say 4-5 yrs ago she hired a new grad.

They like to see confidence but not arrogance (that type is very very dangerous, esp in a new nurse), excellent critical thinking skills, and a strong pt/family focus. That's been my experience, anyway.

Enjoy this experience, soak up all the knowledge you can, let your heart for patients and trauma care shine, and I'm sure you will reach your goals. :up:

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Your first sentence says going from intermediate Trauma to a Trauma ICU. I'm confused. You just mean a general icu? I've read your post 4 times.

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I'm sorry. Yes, a general ICU. I am still in school. My practicum is on an Intermediate Trauma Unit next year. I didn't get the ICU position I wanted for practicum. So I'm wondering about transfering from an Intermediate Trauma Unit if I get a job there to an ICU. Or about getting into an ICU as a new grad with Intermediate Care Practicum experience I just assumed Trauma ICU because of the experience I will get in the next year, but really, I am interested in any ICU. I was not very clear with my post.

also, will I be looked upon favorably at all for a New Grad Critical Care internship with Intermediate care Practicum experience?

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