Desperately need your advice ED nurses!

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Hi All...

I really need some advice.

I have been working in a Level III Neonatal ICU for the last 14 months, and I really feel a pull to the ED, now more than ever. I turned a ED job down last year as a new grad for NICU, and while I love NICU and my babies, I crave the constant challenges and fast pace of the ED. I attended a trauma update with Dr Braselow (Braselow tape system) today, and I really want to get back into the Adult/ED area. I worked as a tech in the ER and ICU before I graduated, so I have an idea of what it's like. While I think it'll be a steep learning curve for a while, as I've been out of the adult loop for a while, I usually catch on quick. 2 days positions just opened in our brand new 78 bed ER, and i feel like I need to jump on them. I have ACLS/PALS/NRP/STABLE, and I'm arrythmia certified. My problem is that I hate to leave my manager in a rut. The night shift I was due to leave soon is hurting for people with NICU experience, as we have undergone an huge staff turnover in the last year. I really want to do ER day shift, but I also could stay on and do NICU day shift when my turn comes. In the ED I wouldn't be required to work the 3 mandatory overtime shifts we're required to do in NICU. I feel like I'd be "giving up" on my babies and friends in NICU......but I really want to do this!!! I also really miss working with guys! I'm all alone among dozens of women!!! Any advice?:uhoh3: (Sorry for the long, fractured post...)

Stevern21

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Specializes in ICU, CCU, Trauma, neuro, Geriatrics.

Please do what you want to do with your career. Everyone else will survive so don't feel responsible. Apply for the ER position, its your life and career. I have moved around a bit in my 15 years. I have never done an exit interview as each time I changed positions I was moving 'up or on', I was not leaving because of bad environment. I am still working per-diem at my last position.

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Specializes in OR, ER.

moving on is not a bad thing..i hope your nicu family will be happy for you.do what your heart is telling you.you can always pick up shifts in nicu whenever.i had the same problem before because my first love was or but i'm in a different,more exciting and challenging environment now and still enjoying. goodluck and hope you make a right choice.

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

I agree.

Call your ED's dept manager, see if you can come up there for a shift to see what it's like.

Your unit manager can and will go on without you. The dept will NOT crumble without you.

And awesome about the trauma update. I volunteered at the ED he works at when I was a teenager (that's where I got the bug to work in emergency medicine)

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Specializes in ED-CEN/PACU/Flight.

Follow your heart. The NICU will continue to survive with or without you. I promise you that any of your co-workers or friends would go where their hearts were called.

It is sad to leave behind those you love, but it's also a new opportunity to make more friends/family (because we all are truly a family).

Good luck!

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Specializes in ER (new), Respitory/Med Surg floor.

I agree with everyone else. You have to do what you want to do. You shouldn't have to feel forced to stay where you are. They'll have to find more people and HR/managers will figure out what to do that's the job. People do move on. You made me laugh b/c my original unit all female , well 2 guys not working much. So I know what you mean! I moved to the ED and I'm like wow look at all the different people! It's nice! I moved as well when little staff. I cared that it was short but I was perfectly fine to leave. My manager let me go.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I just want to add ditto! I loved the ER - spent 10 years there and would go back in a heartbeat if there was an APN position. Good luck.

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Specializes in Emergency.

That and if they are that short you can surely do overtime shifts there is you like. I did the oposite a couple years ago left the ER for PICU and worked a shift every other week in the ED so i wouldnt miss it.

RJ

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i admire your loyalty, but seriously loyalty does not pay the bills!

trust me your position will be filled so get out of that dredded comfort zone and do what your heart desires.

good luck;)

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Specializes in Peds ER.
I just want to add ditto! I loved the ER - spent 10 years there and would go back in a heartbeat if there was an APN position. Good luck.

trauma,

You may want to think about putting together a little package together explaining the benefits of having an APN in the ED and present it to your old ED. Our ED has only been utilizing them for about 2 years now and they wish they had them sooner. A little research and you may just make yourself a new position. Just a thought !

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Specializes in hospice/ER.

Follow your passion, that's where you will be the best nurse you can be.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Well, I did it! I put in my transfer, and landed a day shift Level I Trauma Center position! I haven't decided if I want to specialize in the Peds or Cardiac ER, or work in the Critical Care/trauma er. So we'll see how it goes!

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