Adult ICU to PICU

Published

Specializes in ICU.

Hey everyone,

I am moving to a new city, and I am thinking that this may be a good time to try something new. Ive been in an adult trauma ICU for the past 3 years, and I am thinking of trying peds' ICU. I have no experience with peds, not even in clinicals back when i was in school 4 years ago. I am fairly comfortable workin in the Adult ICu and I like it alot, but I have always wanted to try peds. I am comfortable taking care of the sickest patients, codes, I run CRRT (prisma flex), that kind of thing, but peds is a whole new world. Has anyone here done this sort of transition? I am sure I would do fine, but its still nerve wracking going to something completely new, and facing yet another huge learning curve. If anyone has any words of advise, let me know!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Do a quick search on this forum. This question has been asked a number of times and gotten really good replies.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I made the transition about one year ago,absolutely the best thing ever.

The transition is not as hard as an adult nurse anticpates it,you can get your 80kg 14yrs and then all meds etc are adult doses.It's a bit daunting when you get the little ones but if you pick a good hospital with a good orientation program you will have no worries

Go for it! You will probably never go back to adults,children are so much more satisfying.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, PICU, OR.
I made the transition about one year ago,absolutely the best thing ever.

The transition is not as hard as an adult nurse anticpates it,you can get your 80kg 14yrs and then all meds etc are adult doses.It's a bit daunting when you get the little ones but if you pick a good hospital with a good orientation program you will have no worries

Go for it! You will probably never go back to adults,children are so much more satisfying.

I absolutely agree with it.

Did the same thing and I am NOT regretting. In fact, rarely you'll find kids ALWAYS unhappy, this thing mostly stays wih parents of chronic kids, esp, with development delay (just had one x 3 days, so I begged my charge nurse NOT to give me her again, the request was granted).

Lots of new stuff, total different dx ("Childrens are not small adults" - Hazinski). Sometimes your kiddo # 1 is a 16 yo football player and the # 2 is a 26 weeker preemie. I enjoy it!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I made this transition about 9 months ago. Revived my career! I was so burnt on prolonging death in the elderly. Love my little wee ones!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion