advice requested= track to PICU

Specialties PICU

Published

Hi all,

I am a nursing student about to enter my last semester :) !!! I feel a calling to work in peds, and I think specifically PICU. I'm looking for advice in which direction I should go initially after gradutaion to give me the best knowledge base to carry me into the PICU. I currently work in the Emergency Room Admitting Department at my local children's hospital. Sometimes I think that (ER) would be a good place to start , but other times I don't because of so many run of the mill (sore throats, minor lacs, ect.) cases. Maybe peds med/surg? Any input would be appreciated. Also, any words of wisdom from PICU nurses regarding not becoming too emotionally involved in cases is greatly appreciated. Does it get 'easier' over time? I am not an overly emotional person in the first place, but we recently had a patient at our hospital that was heart-breaking. I know the best gift a nurse can give is compassionate care, but how does it not chip away at your soul?

Sorry so solemn, but thanks!

Paula

Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.
hi all!

i received a call just before suppertime today from the nurse manager in picu...you were right jan...i was offered the job! :lol2:

:biggringi :balloons: congratulations!! :yelclap: :yeah: :cheers:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, surgical post-op.

What she said. =)

I'm so useless with smilies that I'll let Jan's party up there suffice. Congratulations! And let us know how the world of PICU treats you, kay?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Psych.

This is a great thread!!! I'm also going into my last semester in June and want to work in PICU. I'm crossing my fingers for my last semester internship to be in PICU here at a local hospital and then moving off to Fort Worth, TX and hopefully go to a PICU there!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in peds critical care, peds GI, peds ED.

Congrats on your graduation from school!

Let me say first and foremost that as a new grad, the most important thing to know is where you are- not just clinically, but emotionally. I did my senior practicum in a large PICU and literally ran out the doors when I finished my last day. I have always known I wanted to do peds, but knew I was not emotionally ready to deal with the tragedy we deal with daily in the PICU. I am so glad I took a step back and did general peds for a few years after graduation and then stepped it up to peds ED/ urgent care after that. Finally, at 30, I felt I was ready. And I have been in the PICU since.

I have said that teachability and enthusiasm are two of the most important characteristics of any new grad. If you carry those things with you, you can be successful in any area you pursue. The very fact that you feel 'called' to peds tells me you sense a purpose behind your career. That sense of calling will carry you far, as long as you accept the fact adversity will accompany your calling. Sometimes your job will be helping a child die with grace and dignity. Sometimes it will be helping a family let go. These things are a part of being a PICU nurse.

Good luck and Godspeed!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Psych.

I have an interview Friday with the PICU at Cook Childrens in Fort Worth and I am freaking out...but I was glad to find this post...lots of good information. This is the DREAM job, so I'm thrilled to be interviewing for it before I even graduate!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in paediatric.

hi,

i have been a peds nurse for say 18yrs now.Have worked in different children's hospital where i had some rotation shifts in general peds and ICUs..but the last 8 years of mine expeience,kinda lost my critical care

opportunities.Am a traveller,..and because ive had previous PICU/NICU experiences,been asked to try the areas too.But the thing is,i dont think m confident to start back on it as this is just my 2nd month in the country....not really sure what diffrences/changes should i take into consideration in view of knowledge and management skills...practices and policies

any advice if would there be like any refreshers course that may be i could

undergo...to help me gain back my confidence/.......????

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatric critical care.

i went right into pediatrics after graduation, knew that was what i wanted when i applied for school, and had been inspired by some amazing nurses. i spent the first year in the float pool working on general peds care type floors. i think it was a bonus went i went to picu, i had already had time to hone assessment and time management skills, and could focus on critical care specifics. i have never worked ed, but would think that would also be a great way to work on assessment skills, as well as ivs and lab draws, both of which i was no good at until after some time in picu. i couldn't say which path is the right one for you. follow your heart, and if it feels right, go for it, and never look back! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in peds.

HI, i'm a new grad and I need to pick between the peds CICU and peds general floor. I'm thinking I might pick the peds general floor. Even though I want to do critical care, I feel that as a new grad the CICU will be way to stressful for me, but I don't know. What do you think? I need to choose today. Thanks!:D

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

Listen to your gut. If it's telling you you're not ready for peds CICU, then take the general peds job. You can always move to the CICU later. As has been said on other threads, the learning curve is very steep in the ICU and for many nurses it's better to develop your basic skills and get really good at organizing, prioritizing, assessing and the rest first then tackle the complexities of the ICU. Best of luck with your choice.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a new grad in peds stepdown ICU and it is the perfect spot for me. I had a hard time deciding between acute care and PICU, so it was great when I discovered stepdown. Just enough to keep me on my toes (or running, haha) and I feel like I am putting my nursing skills to good use- trachs, vents, kids that need constant monitoring. I may not have the drips and art lines of PICU, but honestly I dont know if I could even handle that yet as a new grad; Stepdown as a new grad was enough of a transistion for me. I am not yet confident enough in my skills to handle the sick kiddos in PICU yet didnt want to go to acute care, so stepdown is my home for now!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have started in the PICU (12 weeks ago) as a spankin brand new nurse, I feel a little overwhelmed but I think I would anywhere really. I think it is good to "jump in" with fresh eyes and eager spirit. You will have days when you think you can conquer anything, then others where you feel you want to quit, but isn't that nursing in general? I was told by three very good nurse friends (many years exp.) to just go on and do what I love. Experiences will come. I was a CNA in Med/Surg for 3 years and all I ever saw was COPD and CP. I saw 1 NG placement in 3 years, what would I have learned? I am learning so much in PICU and getting to see and DO so much also. Go for it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Belot97,

you asked a question I can't answer, as I will only graduate in August of this year, but I hope you don't mind me asking you a question. You mentioned you're a traveler and just got back to the country. I am a traveler and went into nursing bc of the career's universal need, which would allow me to travel almost anywhere (so I thought). But I am having trouble getting straight answers about where it is easy to get a job in the world and how much/what kind of experience I should gain in the US first. Any suggestions/advice you could give would be really appreciated. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment