[YOGI_NAMASTE]

Hi, I want to know the differences of ER and ICU...which is "earsier" for a new grad who is getting ACLS, PALS. How much charting is done in the ICU? Is it a physically hard job being in the ICU? Can an RN refuse to transfuse blood because of religious practice? Thanks!

[wanabebabynurse]

I don't have any information that would be useful as I am curious about the same thing myself. Which would be easier for new grads ??

[2ndCareerRN]

I think that rather than ask "which is easier?", you need to be exposed to both areas during schooling and then see if you feel one area or the other is something you would like to do.

Both areas have their good points, and bad points. Until you try them on you may not know how they fit you.

bob

[EmeraldNYL]

Both areas are really hard!! I think that as an ER nurse you really have to like the chaos and fast pace, whereas ICU nurses tend to be really anal retentive and like a more controlled environment. Of course, these are just generalizations, but both areas are very different. I would suggest shadowing a nurse in each area to see where your personality fits better!

[YOGI_NAMASTE]

Pardon me for using the word "easier", I didn't mean literally easy. You are right that it really depends on personality types. I just took this personality type test and one of the most fitted careers result is ER Nursing. I like excitement, sponteneity, and fast-paced challenging environments and not so much charting. Thanks!

[fergus51]

I think it depends on the hospital. If you are at a busy urban trauma center you'll get a very different experience that being at a rural hospital. Our hospital takes new grads into ICU, but not the ER, because there is more stability there when it comes to patient assignments (meaning it is easier to gurantee a new grad won't get thrown the sickest patient on the unit). I have never worked either and have no advice to offer about which is better

[kevro1013]

I am a RN that works in the ER since graduating may 2002, I worked as a tech in the ER for about 18 months prior to grad.
I must say being a new grad in a busy ER was hard but rewarding. I had many a night when I went home and to read "ok why did we do that?"(still do ). It can be done!
Just make sure wherever you end up as a new grad you have resources to go to if you need them. Ask lots of questions. Ask for help with something if it is your 1st time doing it etc...
Good luck!