Critical Care Eliticism?

Updated:   Published

Hi all, wondering if anyone has come across an attitude from some critical care doctors and nurses that suggests critical care providers are more elite than other specialties like med/surg, postpartum, etc. I currently work in critical care but due to my mental health issue I want to transfer to a different department. I have an interview for postpartum that but when I talk to my coworkers they say I will lose all my skills, be bored, etc. one doctor said I’m “too smart” to go there, another said I will “just hold babies and pass out colace”.

These are all nice people so I was surprised at the comments. I get the feeling they think critical care is the most important and challenging department where the smartest people work. I respect all specialties and they all have their challenges. The ratios, time management and assessment skills in med/surg are the most difficult things I’ve dealt with as a nurse. Is going to postpartum really that big of a “step back”? I’m excited about it and think I will learn new things. Postpartum hemorrhage and eclampsia are no joke! Any opinions? Thanks!

On 2/23/2020 at 10:21 AM, beachbabe86 said:

I would have loved to have a nurse with critical care IV skills when I was on a PP floor but had not delivered. I needed an IV stat and it took several tries to get it right.

I would say do what YOU want!

We don’t put many IVs in the icu. Lol. We get PICCs. ???

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych.

I felt this attitude as well. I do psych now but am about to transfer into the ICU. I have also worked at nursing homes when most of the people at my school were looking down at nursing home nurses and psych nurses. I try not to do it to any other department in general because every unit needs their nurses. This is a really poor mindset and does nothing to appreciate the work of other nurses. Nurses are very important in general regardless of the unit.

When I worked in the nursing homes the LPN's & nursing aides taught me so much for patient care especially wound care. I also learned how to communicate with patients and aides. Right now I work in psych while I don't see what exactly I'll use in the critical care setting somewhere if I decide to go to med surg or ER at some point in my career I will be able to handle patients in psychological crisis. You can learn something from everyone.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med/Surg, ICU Stepdown.

Hi Walrus,

You will definitely use your psych background in ICU! There are ICU patients with psych diagnoses, and I have (unfortunately) cared for many patients after a suicide attempt or overdose. Not to mention the families in crisis when their loved ones are critically ill. That will be a huge asset in critical care. Good luck and I hope you enjoy it! You will learn a lot ?

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
12 hours ago, HappyCCRN1 said:

I’m dying. This comment by this username is the best thing I have seen on this site yet. It’s going to be a great week. Thank you.

LOL! You are welcome. You made me smile ? Indeed, it is going to be a great week.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Surgery, critical care transport.

A coworker of mine went from Critical to Newborn Nursery because she wanted to experience Life and something positive for a change. Well stated.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oceanfront Living.
13 hours ago, LovingLife123 said:

We don’t put many IVs in the icu. Lol. We get PICCs. ???

Dating my self here! They didn't know what to do with me so was transferred to a hospital with a NICU. Alls well that ends well.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion