[freestylepnoi]

I am an LVN graduating from an RN program, neuro-icu has really interested me, I have a neuor-icu internship that may be open to me. I have one question for neuro icu nurses, what are the pros and cons in working in a nicu unit? I am weighing between a NICU position or an ER position, keep in mind I have 2 years experience in medsurg, but I really want to specialize on either ICU or ER. But I've had my heart set on neuro.

[ElCapo]

Go after what you ar interested in the most. You can always change. Also, the ICU will give you more specific knowledge. I worked in the ER before I was a nurse and I always heard from nurses that it is easy to go from ICU to the ER but more difficult to go from the ER to the ICU.

[neurogeek]

Originally Posted by ElCapo

Go after what you ar interested in the most. You can always change. Also, the ICU will give you more specific knowledge. I worked in the ER before I was a nurse and I always heard from nurses that it is easy to go from ICU to the ER but more difficult to go from the ER to the ICU.

I agree. I was an ICU nurse first who also worked ER along the way in my career. The most challenging part of working ED for me was learning to shorten my assessments and charting! Seriously, it really was. On the other hand I've had friends who were ER first & found that learning how to do thorough assessments, learn all long-term meds vs short term treatments, vents, etc. was a challenge for them. But ED nurses are very, very good at what they do and make wonderful ICU nurses once trained. I've alway, always, always worked Neuro ICU and love it. Look at your long-term goals also. Do u want to stay a staff nurse or do u have goals of becoming an NP, CNS, or CRNA? Anything like that and ICU is your best bet for fine tuning your assessment skills. Good luck!

[jellybeanmead]

Go with ur heart!!!