Am I a good candidate for ICU?

[NessaNurse]

I am currently looking at working in ICU. I have been working in outpatient PACU and preop for the last 2 years, for 2.5 years I worked on a pediatric med surg floor (trachs,gtubes, ventriculostomies, drips ect)..I am just a bit concerned about going from an outpatient PACU setting to ICU..would I be safe with a 6-8 week orientation? My freind who works thier says they are taking new grads with only 8 weeks orientation...hmm..yet I wonder If I would be a good candidate for ICU being outside the "hospital" for over 2 years now

Anyfeedback would be good! Thank you in advance :)

[athena55, BSN, RN]

Sorry I am a wee bit late with a response to your query.

I say, go for it, especially if you have an interest. You have already worked in a "critical care" type environement, the PACU. Plus you will get at least a six week orientation!

Have fun. Prepare before hand by, perhaps, joining AACN or read up on stuff you might not know. Check out www.icufaq.com

athena

Iraq

[MrBubbles]

I went straight to a surgical/neuro icu in a level 1 trauma hospital from school with a 4mo residency. If I was able to handle it I'm sure you can. Just be careful, most ICU RNs are very type A personalities. So be very respectful, and don't go in acting like you know everything, even if you do. Just smile and say "Ok, thanks for the info" etc. I have never regretted going straight to the ICU, I love my work and my co-workers

[NessaNurse]

Thank you for the replies! I am currently looking at positions in PCU (stepdown) and ICU at a local hospital :) I think it will be a good change for me!