Please ... any ex-ICU, now ER nurses for advice!

Specialties Emergency

Published

Specializes in Critical Care, ER.

Hi All.

Before going to nursing school I worked ER as a secretary and EMT for about 5 years. I absolutely loved it but when I graduated the ER of my dreams didn't have any openings (hard to believe I know but it is the only level 1 trauma center in this part of the state). So anywhoooo..... I somehow ended up in ICU for 3 1/2 years.

I have to say I absolutely hate it. The main reason I hate it is the snooty pack mentality diva type A nurses I work with. And bed baths. And seeing the same patient over and over and over and over. I've gained 50 lbs and have major anxiety before I go to work.

I am really thinking hard about transfering to ER. I have floated to the ER on several occasions and really liked the energizing pace and meeting new patients all the time. So I guess I'm looking for ex-ICU nurses who've made the switch to tell how they like it.

The most important issue for me is the nursing culture. I really want to get away from the ICU divas.

Thanks! : )

Specializes in ICU, ER.

I made the change after 10 years of ICU and love the ER. You get to think for yourself for a change, there is never a "routine" day, you will honestly learn something new every day, and be faced with a new problem. Feel free to message me.

I have to say I absolutely hate it. The main reason I hate it is the snooty pack mentality diva type A nurses I work with. And bed baths. And seeing the same patient over and over and over and over. I've gained 50 lbs and have major anxiety before I go to work.

The most important issue for me is the nursing culture. I really want to get away from the ICU divas.

Thanks! : )

That's EXACTLY what I hated about the ICU-- the divas, doing bed baths without a tech on humongous patients, and the monotony (interspersed with moments of terror).

I am out of there now, and actually feel like going to work now.

Oldiebutgoodie

Specializes in ICU, OR.

I worked in ICU for 8 years. I came to hate each and every day that I worked. I did not do much in the way of ER, but I liked it much better. I have now left the hospital altogether. Something to be said for not having the same patients (and families) every day and the diversity and learning opportunities can't be beaten.:twocents:

Specializes in ED, ICU, Heme/Onc.
Hi All.

Before going to nursing school I worked ER as a secretary and EMT for about 5 years. I absolutely loved it but when I graduated the ER of my dreams didn't have any openings (hard to believe I know but it is the only level 1 trauma center in this part of the state). So anywhoooo..... I somehow ended up in ICU for 3 1/2 years.

I have to say I absolutely hate it. The main reason I hate it is the snooty pack mentality diva type A nurses I work with. And bed baths. And seeing the same patient over and over and over and over. I've gained 50 lbs and have major anxiety before I go to work.

I am really thinking hard about transfering to ER. I have floated to the ER on several occasions and really liked the energizing pace and meeting new patients all the time. So I guess I'm looking for ex-ICU nurses who've made the switch to tell how they like it.

The most important issue for me is the nursing culture. I really want to get away from the ICU divas.

Thanks! : )

I am much happier with the pace in the ER, and with the ICU background, you will be a great asset to any ER.

I really enjoy giving report to the ICU when the nurses start grilling me with the "did you do this?" "did you do that?" questions. (I completely understand from being on the other side of things too). I usually just answer "these are the lab results, this is what we did for them, the patient is now stable, so are you ready?" I do give the ICU nurses the courtesy of a complete medical history if I have one. They like that. "His mother's name was Helga. He was born lady partslly in a log cabin in Nebraska in 1902. It was February and the barometer was falling, and there was a swift northern wind of approximately 25 knots" I only say that to the cool nurses in our ICU - which they are many of - even if they are Type A's. :)

Blee (Still a Type A diva, but much happier in the ER) :pumpiron:

Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
I really enjoy giving report to the ICU when the nurses start grilling me with the "did you do this?" "did you do that?" questions. (I completely understand from being on the other side of things too). I usually just answer "these are the lab results this is what we did for them, the patient is now stable, so are you ready?" I do give the ICU nurses the courtesy of a complete medical history if I have one. They like that. "His mother's name was Helga. He was born lady partslly in a log cabin in Nebraska in 1902. It was February and the barometer was falling, and there was a swift northern wind of approximately 25 knots" I only say that to the cool nurses in our ICU - which they are many of - even if they are Type A's. :)[/quote']

:fnypst:

OP, just one comment ...

As you'll remember from your previous ER days ... you'll often be 180 degrees from diva-ness. ER nurses are never "in report" and can't take a patient, can't pout because they have more than 1 patient, and don't have a unit closed to visitors.

If you loved it before then come on back ... we need you! :cheers:

Specializes in ITU/Emergency.

Left the ICU for ER and never looked back. Never regret my time served as I learnt alot but I was very thankful when I left! I am not afraid to say that I don't like all my patients and especially their visitors and having to look after some one you really dislike is just hell. I used to dread going in to work if I knew I was looking after a particular patient. And, then there is the monotony of the day, which was pretty structered...bed baths at 6am, meds at 8,10,12,etc...,peg feedings at 9, obs and personal care every hour, etc.......yawn!!!!! Not for me thanks! I much prefer the craziness that is the ER and especially,I like knowing that if I dislike a patient I only have to put up with them for 12 hours....yea to that!

DITTO to all the above !! I worked all kinds of critical care for 12 years..hated the last year, although I am very grateful for everything I learned. 28 years later I am still in the ED , on nights, they will have to carry me out I guess. My last ICU job the patients were just about all on vents, gosh it was nice to be able to actually talk to the patient and get a response ( although in the ED it is not always what you want to hear!!) And you do actual pt education...I have just about worn out my chats in triage about untreated HTN and Diabetes, but if I get just one pt to keep from having a stroke, or go into renal failure, it will be worth it. Try to find a job where they will give you an extensive orientation to Emergency Nursing, esp if your ED sees all ages. This could make a big difference, but it sounds lik eyou are on the right track already. Good Luck !!

Specializes in Critical Care, ER.

I just want to thank all of you for taking the time to answer my post! I feel so relieved...

Specializes in CT ,ICU,CCU,Tele,ED,Hospice.

i too agree with others ,i worked icu/ccu for 12 yrs liked all but the last by then my body and myself needed a change .i have now been er nurse for 4yrs and i am glad i changed.my icu experience has been a benefit and i am glad i did it but i don't miss the bed baths heavy turning and lifting etc.i like the challenge of ed .

Specializes in E.R., Sexual Assault, ICU, Med/Surg,.

Good call sista !

I worked Trauma/Surgical ICU for about 2 years and then went to ER after 1 year of back tracking to the floor I previously worked on (due to wanting out of ICU so bad and they need me.... vice/versa). I totally love ER.... I have been an EMT for 10 years too and worked the streets as a volunteer prev....

I found that the stress level was way lower..... the paper work easier.... and the team work AWESOME !!!! The variety is nice and its great not to have to "doctor hunt"..... your docs are where you need them.... in the good ol ER with you ! Take the change and see what you think. Hey if you hate it...... there are always other options..... thats the beauty of being an RN..... Good luck ! :dancgrp:

Specializes in Adult/ped/neonatal/ICU/Trauma ER nurse.

Welcome to the ED,you will be a good asset to them.I was an ICU nurse for years before I decided to become an ER nurse you will love it.The ER is so different ,it is not controlled universe as the ICU ,but your knoweledge as ICU will be excelent in the ER.You will be overwhelmed with new cases/families and challenges but I am sure you made the right decision to move on in your career .You will be using everything you got to safe any patient arriving to the ER. An ER nurse with ICU experience will be happy in the ER if you show your MD"s/ARNP /co workers you are knowledgeable and safe , very conciuos nurse they will trust you forever. You will do ok.

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