Critical Care to start

[Scubascott94]

hello, i am a nursing student. i will graduate this may(2011). i am very interested in nursing critical care and did a nursing preceptorship of 108 hours in icu. it sounds like there may be an opportunity to move straight from nursing school to a critical care position. i have received a lot of encouragement both for and against applying for this position. my preceptor felt i was well suited to make the transition and that with a little more experience and a good orientation i would be all set. however, several others have cautioned me that it could hinder my growth as a new nurse, especially in the areas of prioritization, and time management. i do feel as if i could handle the responsibilities, but with such strong opinions presented to me from both sides i wanted more information. what do you think i should do?

[Biffbradford]

Go for it. It will be one hell of a ride! How can you pass that up? :)

You'll have plenty of opportunities to exercise your time management skills and evaluate your priorities. No worries!

[tablefor9, RN]

It's do-able. I did this, same kind of scenario. I will say that it was *very* stressful. For the first 6 months, I white knuckled on the way home every morning thanking GOD I didn't kill anyone. Now, I had the "new nurse eating" type of orientation, but you never know whatcha gonna get, right? The next 6 were an improvement, and after a year, it was smoother sailing.

Normally, I really push getting that year of other nursing exp prior to going into a specialty. However, being that the job market is the way it is, who can say when you'll get another shot? Just know that it's an extreme ride going in. Be the best advocate for yourself that you can in regards to orientation process. Find a mentor.

Best wishes, whatever way you go!

[Biffbradford]

First month: you want to quit every day.

Six months: you want to quit once a week.

1 year: you want to quit once a month.

5 years: why didn't you quit when you had the chance?

10 years: Whatever. Don't give me report, I'll figure it out. Later. When's lunch?

[owhite9878]

same scenario with working in the er. lol! it gets better with time though. u ask yourself if u are crazy many days.

[SAHMStudent]

First month: you want to quit every day.

Six months: you want to quit once a week.

1 year: you want to quit once a month.

5 years: why didn't you quit when you had the chance?

10 years: Whatever. Don't give me report, I'll figure it out. Later. When's lunch?

Do you work on my unit?