Aaaa! Neuro ICU vs. ED...??

TazziRN, RN · Jun 18, 2008

I'd pick the ED, but then I'm an old ED nurse!!

Smokey9283 · Jun 18, 2008

I think that as a RN it would be within you benefit to take the ICU first. You can get used to reading rhythm strips, and learn how to be detailed in your work. Then move to a ED.

newohiorn, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 18, 2008

Search a thread called "A day in the life of a traum/neuro icu" and you'll find an interesting discussion about these 2 areas, particularly the post by Phiposurde.

I work in neuro ICU but I haven't worked in ER, although I have done some clinical time there. I suppose it depends on what you're looking for and where you might be hoping to go with your career. I'm guessing that neuro ICU is more repetitive in that we have the same types of patients (more or less) over and over. Of course there are differences but in truth we constantly treat tumors, head bleeds and the occasional head trauma, etc. I find it interesting but if you like lots of variety, it may not be the place for you. I also think it can be an incredibly depressing unit because good outcomes seem to be very rare--not sure if that's because there aren't any (at least it seems that way) or if it's because they transfer out long before they make their full recoveries.

Also search icu vs. er and you'll see discussions of these two areas.

Good luck.

MassED, BSN, RN · Jun 18, 2008

Hi,
New guy here. I recently graduated and have 2 great offers at 2 great hospitals...one in a leading Neuro ICU and one in a 31 bed non-trauma ED. I asked a lot of questions at both interviews, and was really impressed with the training offered and the level of commitment to the New Grad.
I've done clinicals in an ED and a (regular) ICU, and liked both. I like the fast pace of the ED, and the level of depth required for an ICU. I've tried to approach this decision methodically for almost two weeks, and am now at the point where I'm about to do a coin toss - literally. I'm an older graduate and would like to make the best decision possible for this first nursing assignment.
If anyone can help me based on their experience - especially specific to these polar opposite departments - I would appreciate it immensely.
Thx,

well I work in an ED and have experienced two in the past 4 years. I started out with med/surg, ortho, oncology and dialysis experience before the move to the ER. I would never like an ICU because a) I would get bored with the same patient or two over a whole shift, b) all of those tubes and lines would irritate me, and c) I'm used to moving about a lot and having lots of patient turnaround. I love to see patients from the start and then be able to stabilize them - in the ICU, the best part is already complete: the mystery, oftentimes, of why they're there and what is wrong with them. To stabilize them and see that improvement is really amazing.

If you can understand all of those answers, then the ER might be the place for you. Best of luck in your decision! And so you know, once you're in an ER, and ICU would snatch you up in the future if you wanted a change....