Ideal transition into critical care

Specialties MICU

Published

Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU.

Hello all! I have been working as a RN on a med/surg floor for almost a year now and starting to consider a change of scenary. I have really enjoyed my time on med/surg, but would like to make a move into critical care. I would like to hear from other nurses on which area would be a good transition for a newer RN as myself. Is there a certain ICU that is "easier" to adjust to (fully understanding that none are easy)? Or would all areas be equally challenging, depending on unit size, hospital, staff, support, ect. I am also thinking the ER could suit my liking as well, especially if it seems like the experience I would be gain there would better prepare me for the ICU. I have talked to a few of my coworkers about this, but all seem to have their experience in med/surg, LTC, mom/baby, ect and none with ICU/ER experience. Any insight/advice is appreciated!

PS - I also realize a large part of my decision will be determined by where I can get hired, but would still like to see what others say;)

Specializes in Critical Care/Coronary Care Unit,.

All critical care areas will be challenging, but the easiest to transition to from a med-surg unit would probably be MICU (medical ICU) vs. CCU (coronary care unit), CVICU (cardiovascular icu), or SICU (surgical icu). I assume you have experiencing with telemetry/monitoring heart rhythms and ACLS. If you can find an ICU preceptorship...that would be ideal. That's how I went to the unit from a cardiac tele floor...started out in trauma icu. Good luck.

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