[lizva101]

hi everyone!
wondering, i'm very nervous about er.
i'm nervous about prioritization and when I was on med surge,
I often thought about ways to do things differently and that
was stressful. Although I was a good nurse, I liked attn to detail
and i think that bothered me about the med/surge floor; that there
was lack of attn by some docs.
In the ER, do u find that u take events home with you?>
I was in the ER and I was a bit shocked that the pts were
first assessed and then it was hurry up and wait. I don't know
if I can deal with that mentality. On the other hand, I don't
know if I would be able to stay awake at night in the ICU. I need
physicla stimulation to stay awake. Both positions have day/night rotating.
Any thoughts? Any experiences to share in either unit?
Thank you

[Anagray]

When I interviewed for ICU and ER 2 years ago, ER didn't think I interviewed well, but ICU was very happy to accept me, because I'm detail oriented and prefer giving really great care to 2 patients, rather than making sure all of my 7-8 patients are getting by.
If you enjoy one-on-one care, attention to detail and dealing with family process, then ICU is the place to go. Also, you will get to do many things that ER never or rarely does.
If you like an environment that is fast paced, goal-goal orented and has a variety of patient population, then you may like ER.

I chose not to go to ICU, because they offered me nights. After 1 more year of med-surg I decided to go to ER and then I was ready to do what ER RN needs to do - focus on stabilizing patients.
To go to ER I think it is a good idea to have excellent assessment skills and good amount of experience, because many times you are pretty much functioning independently.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Nat

[deeDawntee]

You should definitely follow your own heart about decisions like this. I would highly recommend that you follow a nurse in both areas before you make your decision. I am currently working in both ICU and just started in an ED. I started a second job in an ED because I was frankly bored by most of the patients I dealt with in the ICU. At times, even one patient in the ICU can keep you hopping all night long, there is sooo much to do for them. But, for the most part, ICU nursing is fairly routine. I started working in the ED because I was ready to try something different. As an ICU nurse, the biggest challenge is to focus on the issue at hand in the ED...you are detailed oriented in the ED, but on only one or two details!! It is laser nursing...focus in on the presenting issue, treat it and move 'em through! I really have enjoyed the patient interaction in the ED. There is soooo much more patient interaction with mostly conscious patients. I am still working on becoming a better IV starter (didn't ever have to do that in the ICU, not only do we have an IV team, but they almost always have central lines.) I am really enjoying that challenge and am looking forward to mastery.

Remember that one of the very best things about nursing is the opportunity to keep trying all different areas for the rest of your career, if you want to, don't agonize over your decision, you can always do the other area at some other time! Good luck in your decision.

[lizva101]

hi, would anyone who has experience in these two specialties feel comfortable talking about it b/n email? I would like to have a dialogue about this decision. ty.

[mmutk]

I do believe you are either one or another in general. There are a couple of other posts around here with a similair issue do a search and see if you can get em.