ICU/CCU nursing?!?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Orthopedics.

I'm a new RN but not a new nurse. I was an LPN for 1.5 yrs before finishing RN school. I currently work on orthopedics but looking for something else with more experience and pay as well. I'm thinking about ICU, what are your thoughts? What do ICU nurses deal with? Our orthopedic floor is VERY busy with a ratio of 1:4 and sometimes 1:5 on days. Please give your input on transferring to ICU/CCU...

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Neuro, Ortho, Med/Surg, Travele.

If you like a challege then ICU is the way to go. I currently work CCU and unfortunately, the people I work with are uncomfortable with any thing that is not cardiac related. I have had the opportunity to work ICU where you get any and all that may come down the pike. ICU is intense and ever changing and it has been my experience that they are strong both personally and professionally. Most if not all have very strong personalities. I think it's a requirement LOL. If you enjoy a challenge and don't mind the personalities that go along with it. ICU is the way to go. I work ICU and ER and love both of them, CCU not so much. Anyway, good luck.

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Specializes in CTICU.

The only thing I'd caution you about is thinking that a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 means that the ICU is less busy (I know you didn't say that, I'm just saying). Generally you have to take care of absolutely EVERY need for that 1 or 2 patients, and some days your butt doesn't hit a chair. It's mentally and emotionally challenging.. but also super gratifying at times. Good luck.

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, PACU, Travel nursing.
I'm a new RN but not a new nurse. I was an LPN for 1.5 yrs before finishing RN school. I currently work on orthopedics but looking for something else with more experience and pay as well. I'm thinking about ICU, what are your thoughts? What do ICU nurses deal with? Our orthopedic floor is VERY busy with a ratio of 1:4 and sometimes 1:5 on days. Please give your input on transferring to ICU/CCU...

I have never worked an ICU position that paid more than a floor position..............but maybe some hospitals have this??

But I have certainly never heard of it. If you have enough experience agency, per diem, or float pool is usually the way to go to make more $$. Also weekend only positions usually have higher pay.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I have been at a hospital before where the critical care nurses got an extra differential.

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, PACU, Travel nursing.
I have been at a hospital before where the critical care nurses got an extra differential.

How much was it?? Just curious. Thanks.

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Specializes in Med-surgical; telemetry; STROKE.

" I work ICU and ER and love both of them, CCU not so much. Anyway, good luck."

Neurorn, can you explain what you like less about CCU?

I am looking for a job right now and very interested to know more about different units.

Thank you.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Neuro, Ortho, Med/Surg, Travele.

The differences between ICU and CCU. While they are both critical care areas, CCU deals with cardiac/cornary issues primarily. MI's, pre and post cath pts, pt's with rhythm changes, etc. ICU deals with everything, trauma pt's, neuro unstable pt's., respiratory, total system failure. Basically, anything that is nursing intensive. Most ICU/CCU ratios are 2:1 because of the drips, vent's, tubes, etc. If a pt is unstable then ICU here they come. Now every hospital is slightly different. So keep that in mind. Good luck and let me know what you decide.

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Specializes in Oncology.
I have never worked an ICU position that paid more than a floor position..............but maybe some hospitals have this??

But I have certainly never heard of it.

Almost every hospital in this area pays more for critical care.

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

I Loved ICU/CCU. Still do. I liked it because I was always busy. Some days intensely busy but consistantly busy. I enjoyed the critical thinking aspect. To me it was like working a constant puzzle. The ratio was usually 1:2 sometimes 1:3 depending on acuity. I liked cardiopulmonary failure patients. I wasn't a big fan of trauma but could do it. Medical ICU I liked. But my one true love was cardio in any way, shape, or form.

I liked figuring out the drips, and making my patients comfortable as best I could. Which is no easy task.

I just enjoyed the challenge more than anything.

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Specializes in Wellness Coach, ICU, PACU, OR, Mgmt.

I like almost every aspect of ICU. Especially love working with the families of dying patients & working with really sick young people.

Things that are not so fun:

  • Neuro! Yuck.
  • Poop! Yuck - & constant in the ICU
  • Staffing issues - seems like a contant in every ICU

Things that are fabulous:

  • When a patient gives you a kiss
  • When a family member gives you a hug
  • When a patient you thought was going to die brings you flowers a month later
  • When a CODE goes well
  • When a CODE goes bad & you are the person who holds everyone together
  • Teaching a new nurse the ropes
  • Squirt gun fights to break the tension
  • Laughing with a patient
  • Taking care of another nurse or their family
  • Hearing, "Thank you!"

I love taking care of people!

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, PACU, Travel nursing.
Almost every hospital in this area pays more for critical care.

How much more??

Really just like to know where I am missing out:)

And what area would that be?

I have worked in Reno, NV, Alabama, and 2 cities in Florida and none of these hospitals (total of 6) paid more for critical care.

I mean are we talking 50 cents an hour or what??

Thanks:)

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