Comparing ICUs

[tarheel22]

Hi! I'm applying for new grad RN position right now for cardiac surgical ICUs, but I am also being asked for my second choice. My priority for choosing a unit besides unit culture is opportunity to learn a lot. I don't know much about comparing the medical cardiac ICU, sicu, MICU, neuro ICU, and burn ICU. So, if you have opinions on what a good second choice would be, I would love to know!! Thank you so much!

[traumanightsRN, NP]

I think SICU is a great choice. I spent my entire bedside career in a STICU and loved it! You get a lot of different type of surgical patients so it's not the same thing over and over again. You will get experience with a lot of drips and different vent modes. Also lots of experience with blood transfusions. You can't really go wrong with any surgical ICU. 

[tarheel22]

traumanightsRN said:

I think SICU is a great choice. I spent my entire bedside career in a STICU and loved it! You get a lot of different type of surgical patients so it's not the same thing over and over again. You will get experience with a lot of drips and different vent modes. Also lots of experience with blood transfusions. You can't really go wrong with any surgical ICU. 

Thank you so much! This is super helpful!