I am a CCRN-CSC who worked in our CICU for 8 years and left due to issues on my unit (staff, management, etc). I have spent the last year and a half doing clinical research. This is not for me. Good experience and all, but not my cup of tea. Anyway, the CICU is still having issues and I just applied to NP school. So I am thinking of applying to the ER for more experience, but I am really nervous, expecially about the kids. I have 10 years of critical care experience, none of it pedi. My question is, has anyone else out there done this? Is it a good move for school? Will I be okay with the kids? This is a really busy ER at a level 1 trauma center. They see it all. It could be a great experience. I love cardiac, especially cardiac surgery, but I crave something new. Please give me your thoughts. I really appreciate it!
I posted to you quite awhile ago and meant to tell you to NOT tell your new colleagues in the ER that you are in NP school. The ER is a different crew and they will roll their eyes behind your back to no end when you undoubtedly goof up and proceed up your learning curve. CCU is GREAT experience for reading EKGs and assessing all things cardiac, but I tell ya...i had never assisted a doc for a pelvic exam and didn't know the standard protocols for UTI, abdominal pain, etc. Heck, just getting the drunks out of their clothes and into an exam room was a challenge for me! CCU patients are, for the most part, so neat and clean and already nicely packaged for you by the time they arrive.
Keep it on the hush hush about the NP thing and slip in quietly. As you take new patients during the shift, pretend they are your patients as an NP and ask yourself what you would order,etc.
MissDoodaw
175 Posts
This is good advice...unfortunately.