Critical Care Nursing?

[msummar_smc]

I have been accepted to a BSN program beginning in the fall and couldn't be more excited. My grandmother was in and out of critical care for a few years as she battled cancer (which she eventually succumb to). I was facinated (and very thankful) by the care and knowledge the critical care nurses had. My questions are this: What is a day in the life of a critical care nurse like? What are the things you love and hate about working in critical care? Is there any advice you wish you had been given before you began working in critical care?

[RoadRunner]

I've been working in ICU for almost 13 years now and still love it. It's dynamic, never routine. I feel like I haven't stop learning and that keeps me challenged.

It's been changing a lot though since my first shift :new technologies, older patients, early discharge, etc... and I think it's a lot harder now than it was. With this pace, I'm not sure I still want to be there in 13 years! But I never regreted my choice.

Nursing gives you a lot a carrier choices, so good luck with yours!

[K O'Malley]

I loved critical care nursing, particularly the Medical ICU. We had such a variety of patients and everyday I learned something new. It challenged both my mind and body because you have to constantly be on your toes and ready to jump on any subtle changes in your patient's condition and you do run non-stop. The one big drawback was that where I worked the nurse:pt ratio was 1:3. Over the years the patients were sicker and sicker and ever more complex and it eventually became overwhelming. It was a for profit hospital and short staffing was how they made their profit.

[BarbPick]

Everyone will tell you that they love critical care, as I do. I am going to tell you the practical side of critical care.

There are something like 137 recognized specialities in Nursing (got the number from ANA). It is wonderful to be able to expand into all these fields. Mine are Oncology and Forensic Nurse Specialist. All well and good.

If you can perform as a critical care nurse, you will never starve. I am so grateful that I had a number years of CC under my belt, if the specialty referrals are not so plentiful, I am so glad that I have my critical care expereince to fall back on. I can call a nursing agency, book myself for a 7pm to 7am critical care shift and pick up my check on the way home.

The time learning is well spent.