Psychological stresses of RN/ICU

Specialties Critical

Published

So I will apply to an MSN program that accepts non-nursing majors next year and I've been pretty excited about it until I started talking to my counselors, RN's, friends, and people in general.

I am not doubting my decision of attending an MSN program, but I just want to know some things before diving in. How stressful is it being a RN working in the ICU?

Can it be traumatizing? I mean, people working in the ICU are exposed to constant death and dying people... Do any of you know any nurses who have developed anxiety or PTSD from seeing horrible things? Most people make it seem like its a depressing place, but there has to be some gratification from helping and saving people, right? any input is greatly appreciated! :laugh:

As a nursing student, reading all of these have been really helpful. I am precepting on a Trauma unit and am very interested in working in Emergency/Trauma ICU. Thanks everyone.

Specializes in Hospice/Infusion.

I think I've mastered the compartmentalization :unsure: I don't know if that's a good thing or not.

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