Advice on CCU

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I have worked on my current unit, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery floor, for about 10 years. Of those, 7 as a CNA, and the last 3 as RN.

Recently, Ive been getting the "itch" to try something else. Not to mention, things are getting very frustrating on my unit, especially with managenent. I know the grass isn't greener on the other side, but I was thinking about CCU. Any advice out there about anything to do with interviewing, specific knowledge to brush up on, etc? How do you like the CCU or ICU in a non-trauma 1 hospital, but one that is big on Cardiac interventions in the area, like #1.... etc....

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

You will never know if you will like it if you don't try it.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

This! ^^^ I used to work in the SICU/CVICU of a teaching hospital which is now a level 2 trauma center, but at the time I don't know that they had a designation. (I happened to be there with my son few years ago for some testing and they had a big level 2 trauma center banner about their entrance.)

My honest opinion is that trauma designation should really only be a big consideration if you are trying to get into trauma nursing.

but anyway the hospital that I worked at had a fabulous cardiothoracic service. They did heart, lung, and heart-lung transplants; implanted VADs, did ECMO, flew cardiogenic shock patients in from out-of-state rural areas--all kinds of amazing things in addition to the typical CABGs and heart valve surgeries.

It was awesome!

My suggestions for interviewing are: sell your experience as an asset to their unit. It is. When asked why you are looking to make the move, frame it as a positive: you want to grow as an RN and learn new things-- not that you are frustrated with management and other dealings on your unit.

Wishing you the best!

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