[New2CVSICU]

I agree with most of what is already stated. I started in a CVSICU last sumer. I really enjoy working there. I don't like floating to the MICU, man talk about depressing. I think that you should try to find a different ICU to work in, if that is possible. If not just try to hang in there and get through this time.

[com4table]

I agree that the MICU can be depressing, but can't all ICU's be that way? I plan to transfer to a CVICU when I move in a few months. I am ready to take care of different types of patients and have even more experience with IABPs.

[foxyhill21]

I am currently in MICU/SICU (mostly MICU pt) and I HATE it... I really wanted to work in CVICU but they would not accept any new grads.

[mark2climb]

I've worked in a variety of critical care settings and there are always things that I don't enjoy about the work. Certainly having coworkers who point out your mistakes and don't help makes for difficult work conditions. I agree with the other posts. If you can change to a different unit, do so. There is a big enough nursing shortage that finding work in another ICU should be a reasonable thing to do. If not, then take advantage of every little bit of learning you can do on even chronic, end-stage patients. Find a physician who likes to explain and teach and bombard him/her with questions. Every little bit of learning helps and will only boost your confidence and knowledge.

Most of all, hang in there. It does get better.

[CCRN-CMC-CSC]

Originally Posted by foxyhill21

I am currently in MICU/SICU (mostly MICU pt) and I HATE it... I really wanted to work in CVICU but they would not accept any new grads.

When I graduated I was also told no new grads in CVICU - I worked for a few months in ICU, busted my tush, and went to the manager and asked for the opportunity to work CVICU because I had a passion for it and I was willing to work hard to succeed. The manager got a kick out of me being so assertive and allowed me to transfer. I spent 7 wonderful years in that unit and truly enjoyed it. It cant hurt to try!

[in2b8nsed8]

I started out ina MICU about 10 years ago and hated it so much I went to a nursing home to work after a year of ICU. My coworkers were very experienced and really didn't have time to train me. I didn't feel wanted at all. I have since returned to ICU and love all of it. My first impression of your situation is to find another job; it does get better. Learn everything you can. If something is going on with one of the patients ask questions. Look everything up in a book if you can't get answers. You will begin to irritate people but you need to find some way to like ICU. It is so awesome to learn critical care. The best thing about it for me is the independence and respect I get from physicians. I can call one of them at 3 am and tell them what I need and they say OK. It did take me 10 years to get to this point though. I am slowly working on my BSN and want to be a CRNA asap! I would say try to stick it out for a few more months and then if things aren't better find another ICU. There are hundreds of jobs for ICU nurses. Start studying to become a CCRN now too, that will help you learn why you are doing what you are doing.

[foxyhill21]

Can I get my CCRN with less than 3 month exp?

Originally Posted by in2b8nsed8

Start studying to become a CCRN now too, that will help you learn why you are doing what you are doing.

[CRNAhopeful2012]

This is off the AACN website regarding ccrn eligiblity
"Critical care practice as a registered nurse is required for 1,750 hours in direct bedside care of (adult, neonatal or pediatric) acutely or critically ill patients during the 2-year period preceding date of application, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application. All 1,750 hours must be in care of same patient population (for example, for the adult CCRN exam, all 1,750 hours must be caring for acutely/critically ill adult patients). Clinical practice hours accrued in an undergraduate student role are NOT acceptable."

[in2b8nsed8]

Originally Posted by foxyhill21

Can I get my CCRN with less than 3 month exp?

I studied off and on for a few years before I was brave enough to take the test but you can never start studying too soon. It's been a few years ago that I became CCRN certified but i think you are required to have enough hours in (equal to 1 year in icu) experience before you can take the test. This might not be accurate. Your employer has to verify this so you can send it in to AACN. The AACN website has a lot of valuable information. They used to have a blueprint that you could use as a study guide to prepare for the test. Check out the AACN's website it has some great info on it. I am a member of the AACN and they have so many cool benefits....you should look into that too. www.aacn.org

[CCRN-CMC-CSC]

Originally Posted by foxyhill21

Can I get my CCRN with less than 3 month exp?

Nope - you need a lot more hours of bedside to qualify. See below:


CLINICAL PRACTICE ELIGIBILITY

Critical care practice as a registered nurse is required for 1,750 hours in direct bedside care of (adult, neonatal or pediatric) acutely or critically ill patients during the 2-year period preceding date of application, with 875 of those hours accrued in the most recent year preceding application. All 1,750 hours must be in care of same patient population (for example, for the adult CCRN exam, all 1,750 hours must be caring for acutely/critically ill adult patients). Clinical practice hours accrued in an undergraduate student role are NOT acceptable. Nurses serving as manager, educator (in-service or academic), CNS or preceptor may now apply their hours spent supervising nursing students or nurses at the bedside. Nurses in these roles must be actively involved in caring for patients at the bedside; for example, demonstrating how to measure pulmonary artery pressures or supervising a new employee or student nurse performing a procedure.