SICU vs. CVICU for new grad

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  1. This is a discussion on SICU vs. CVICU for new grad in Critical Care Nursing ... I'll be graduating soon and have interviews already set up with both the CVICU and SICU at a major...

    by Oct 21, '11
    I'll be graduating soon and have interviews already set up with both the CVICU and SICU at a major hospital. I would like to get opinions from veteran ICU nurses on which unit you would recommend is best for a new nurse.

    I do not expect either one of them to be easy. I expect them to be very demanding and I am more than willing to put in the extra time needed to study and learn. I am only interested in acute care settings so please don't recommend med-surg experience first. If you would please just let me know which unit you would recommend first for a new grad and why I would greatly appreciate all comments.

    Thanks!
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    by cjack201 Oct 21, '11 12:39 am
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  3. 4 Comments so far...

  4. Oct 21, '11 by
    cvicu because it has more letters
  5. Oct 21, '11 by
    SICU will be tough. You'll wonder what the heck were you thinking.

    CVICU will be baptism by fire. You'll go home either crying or start drinking. :uhoh21:

    Honest!

    Not to say that it's not for you ... just speaking from experience of doing the very same thing you're contemplating.
    Last edit by Biffbradford on Oct 21, '11
  6. Oct 24, '11 by
    It just really depends on what you are looking for. I work in the STICU and I'm quite pleased with it. Different hospitals and different units have different cultures which can make work enjoyable or miserable. It's really a subjective matter and only you can answer it.
  7. Oct 27, '11 by
    CVICU is very specialized and would probably eventually become kinda boring. We did a lot of hearts at my first hospital, and the nurses seemed bored and got excited when on the rare occaision they'd get something else like a sepsis.
    SICU is more broad, you will see post-VATS and chest tubes, transplants, various other surgeries, etc.
    I work at a MICU and SICU now, and can tell you it's fun to come in and get a variety, but it definitely depends on your personality for which is a better fit.
    The fact that you have both these interviews is great, congrats.