Any ICU travelers? Need some advice! Legitmate?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

OK...I'm nearing the end of my second year as a critical care nurse in a smaller hospital. I feel I have received good experience with vents, art. lines, and swanz lines. I am a little scared since I've only worked in a smaller hospital that a bigger unit would be overwhelming for me. There are still things i haven't messed with a whole lot. Ex. ICP monitoring. Did it in school clinicals but none at my current hospital. My question is should I stick with the smaller hospitals when traveling and are there plenty of positions available in these smaller hospitals? Another thing I question ...would it be better to go with a bigger hospital so I can get this experience? I am all about learning, easy to teach, and a very good teammate who works well with others. Any advice would be appreciated:)

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Just go!! Be honest in your interview about your experience, know your limitations, never put yourself in a situation that may jeopardize pt. safety. Once again, BE HONEST. They wouldn't assign a pt. with a ventric if you've never had one, and p.s......school doesn't count ;).

Be fearless, but cautious! It's an incredible opportunity.

Oh yah, not many small hospitals contracting. You wanna go somewhere fun and groovy, anyway! If you're gonna do it, do it big! Enjoy!

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

You gotta get out there and do it if you want to learn it. Go to the high speed units if you can get hired there, do your best, learn everything you can, and never be afraid to ask questions or for help. You SHOULD be a little afraid

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Specializes in Critical Care.
You gotta get out there and do it if you want to learn it. Go to the high speed units if you can get hired there, do your best, learn everything you can, and never be afraid to ask questions or for help. You SHOULD be a little afraid

Thanks for the solid advice. There's no problem of being afraid ( I am ) and I don't consider that a bad thing. I am all about asking questions and taking notes:) Thank you for the advice.

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By fearless i meant courageous, strong, eager, empowered, determined, righteous---referring more to the actual experience of traveling, not bedside...sorry, not advising you to be aloof.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
By fearless i meant courageous, strong, eager, empowered, determined, righteous---referring more to the actual experience of traveling, not bedside...sorry, not advising you to be aloof.

Hey I understood what you were saying and appreciate every word. It is definately very exciting....and filled with many opportunities to learn from others in our field. It will be me and my wife doing this together. SO if there are any praying folks out there send a little prayer our way...that we both have great experiences:)

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