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Not happy with my neuro unit...



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Oct 13, 2008 09:06 PM

Not happy with my neuro unit...


Ahhh, where do I start? I've worked Neuro Icu for nearly 2 yrs. The unit I'm on now is too specialized for me. Our patients are rarely vented. You may get a pressor once every few weeks. I think I'm not challenged enough. I had a one-on-one pt. today who was in 2nd degree type 2 block, pressors, frequent lab draws, MRI, pacemaker placement...you get the picture. I was completely content with this. I love the technical aspect of a very busy patient. I had to give my pt up at 11 am to get 2 admissions who kept me busy fetching ice and blankets! (This is how a majority of our pts are). I miss the neuro unit I was in back home....we had multiple vented pts, chest tubes, Evd's, MVA's, drug OD's, pressors. Here is highly specialized with strokes, and cerebral angios mainly and EVD's every so often. I feel unchallenged most of my time at work and want transfer sooo bad. I have 3 mths until I can. I've gotten to the point to where I dread going into work . Do you think I'm getting burned out or just bored?


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5 Comments
No. 1
from nrsang97
Old Oct 14, 2008, 11:02 AM

Default Re: Not happy with my neuro unit...
Sounds like you are bored, with a little burn out. Maybe try the SICU/Trauma ICU.

Our neuro ICU is specialized but we have a seperate stroke unit. More than not we have vents, drains, bolts, drips, etc.

Is it possible for you to transfer to a different ICU within the same hospital/system?
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No. 2
Old Oct 16, 2008, 12:20 AM

Default Re: Not happy with my neuro unit...
I got bored after working in the same neuro unit for 3 years. I always felt lucky when I got a really sick pt, but most of the time they were just post op cranis,etc.. boring. I'm very happy to have moved on. I no longer hate nursing, and am no longer bored and cranky at work. It's nice to be challenged & learn new things.
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No. 3
Old Dec 09, 2008, 07:00 PM

Default Re: Not happy with my neuro unit...
Hi there! Since you have experience on a neuro unit, could you advise me the type of neuro unit is good to start working on. I am a new nurse with 3 months experience on a telemetry Med/Surg floor. I still need preceptoring obviously. Tomorrow I have an interview on a neuro floor but I really don't know what to look for or ask the Director. After your post, I feel very, very, very wet behind the ears (and I am!) I hope you receive this post before tomorrow.

Thanks!
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No. 4
from NurseCutie
Old Dec 09, 2008, 10:02 PM

Default Re: Not happy with my neuro unit...
Hey Gonightingale! Are you applying on a Neuro ICU unit or the floor, cause they are completly different. I've did both and the floor was way more stressful for me. I would start out asking about the patient population (types of pts admitted to unit/floor) and your expected pt. load. In the ICU it's generally 1-2 depending on the acuity. On the floor you could get up to 6-7 on nights. I would also ask the NM what is expected of the nurses on the unit...Theres many more questions you could ask but this is all I have time for now... once again Good luck!
Good luck on your interview tomorrow!
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No. 5
Old Dec 09, 2008, 10:10 PM

Default Re: Not happy with my neuro unit...
Thanks NurseCutie! Well I'm applying for the floor. But even if it's more stressful, I'm gonna go for it because the perks balance it out (at least I think for now..I'll tell you after the interview, ha,ha!). From the services this hospital provides (according to their website) they have a stroke center and Spine Center. From what I read, it appears that they handle primarily stroke patients- both from TIA or hemorrhagic. So if you have time for any new questions before 1200 pm tomorrow send them on doen!

Best regards and thanks a gazillion!
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