Easier ICU or Med/Surg?

jmgrn65, RN · Jan 21, 2008

It is generally more difficult to go straight to an ICU but if there is a good intern or orientation it can be done. But ICU nursing isn't for everyone.

nursecher · Jan 21, 2008

It is generally more difficult to go straight to an ICU but if there is a good intern or orientation it can be done. But ICU nursing isn't for everyone.

I have heard that Med/Surg is more stressful because of the business and ICU has more to learn and know....is this true? I don't know if ICU nursing is for me....I don't know what I want to do! Scary because I have already started applying and interviewing. That is why I think I should just start in Med/Surg because you can go anywhere with that right? I feel kinda lost.

bill4745, RN · Jan 21, 2008

If you are not sure, start in M/S. You will get valuable time-management skills and learn how use the skills you learned in school. Later, see if you can "shadow" in the ICU, or other areas that might interest you. Many nurses have no idea what nurses in other specialties do during a shift.

Laughs-a-lot, RN · Jan 21, 2008

I graduated this May and started in med/surg, because it was the same floor I worked as a PCA during nursing school. I love med/surg, there is a big variety of pt's, it is also a telemetry floor, so I get that added experience. I have found for me that it is less stressful working 7p-7a. I still get interaction with some family and doctors, without the constant all day stress of coming and going. I still get the experience of ED admissions and post-op pt's. Alot of IV starts, assessment skills, and 2200 med pass, chart checks (we do previous 24hr checks on nights), and MARS. But I feel that most nights are a little calmer. Not always, definately not this weekend. I also have 4 kids, and like the convenience of being home during the day in case something comes up. I can always sleep a few hrs, go to school function, and sleep a little more later. I t did take me about 4 mos to happily adjust between nt shift and new grad, so whatever you do, don't get too distressed if you cry alot at first, it can be overwhelming. I know for me, in nursing clinicals we didn't communicate with physicians, take orders, sign off orders, there was alot of new stuff on top of everything else. I honestly don't know if this is what I want to do for the rest of my carreer, but I like it for now, and another thing to consider when interviewing is their benefits and extras. Do they offer educational opportunities, do you have to pay to attend, are they union-dues? What kind of insurance do they have, if you will need to carry your own. Do they pay holidays, time and 1/2 only if you work them, do they offer incentive for picking up extra shifts. You definately don't want to go in focusing only on $ and extras, but it is another consideration. Also if you plan on going further in your education, do they have any type of school reimbursement? Good luck whatever you decide!

nursecher · Jan 21, 2008

If you are not sure, start in M/S. You will get valuable time-management skills and learn how use the skills you learned in school. Later, see if you can "shadow" in the ICU, or other areas that might interest you. Many nurses have no idea what nurses in other specialties do during a shift.

I have spent some time in clinical on different floors but I'm sure it's different for an entire shift day in and day out. I agree I think starting in M/S is a great thing. Thanks!

Smackdown · Jan 21, 2008

That is why I think I should just start in Med/Surg because you can go anywhere with that right? I feel kinda lost.

In my hospital - an ICU nurse can float to a med/surg floor to help but a med/surg nurse cannot float to an ICU to help. When I graduated I went right into ICU and I haven't regretted it for a second. Many people told me that you should go to med/surg to get experience first, but I learned soo much from working in ICU right out. I would suggest ICU - because in my opinion, you can go anywhere with that experience, but if you are in med/surg, you can't just jump right into ICU. Also, I love that in ICU we just take care of 2 patients, whereas on med/surg the nurses oftwn have anywhere from 8 to 13 patients each at this hospital. I love having time to get close and build relationships with the families and patients.

......Good luck in your decision, I encourage ICU, but I'm a bit biased :)

dbihl, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2008

definitely harder to go to ICU first.

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Jan 21, 2008

I don't think one is easier or harder than the other. They're both different.

You'll have more intense patients in ICU but will have probably 2 patients.

On med/surg you'll have a wide variety of patients, some will seem very intense, other will be pretty easy and require few meds but you'll probably have 5-6 patients to care for. It depends on the type of patients you prefer to care for.

The concencus seems to be that new grads should begin with med/surg and remain there for at least a year before branching out into a specialty.

There are hospitals who will hire a new grad to work in ICU. Mine does.

Best of Luck!

NewTravelingNurse · Jan 21, 2008

Is it easier to "learn" ICU (or other specialty) or Med Surg right out of school?? Which would be more stressful?? Thanks....

I started on Med Surg floor right out of college. I have floated a couple times. I have learned more and done more than I ever thought that I could. I worked in an CICU department one NOC. I had no problems (Other that getting into the SureMED).

You will learn to prioritize and solve problems. Just remember to ask ALOT of questions!! I had great mentors and I talked all the time... :pumpiron:

And If you can work NOCs then you might have a little easier time learning. Less stress. MORE PAPERWORK :icon_roll

Overland1, RN · Jan 21, 2008

Learn the Medical and Surgical stuff first, then go on to ICU or ER. The time and care management skills will serve you well.

By the way, some of the best ER nurses I have ever worked with were Surgical nurses prior to transferring to the ER; maybe because they automatically think heads, necks, torsos - many can spot a hot appy walking in the door.

nursecher · Jan 21, 2008

Thank you all so much for the advice. I did interview for an ICU position. I just contacted the nurse recruiter and told her that I want to interview for a Med/Surg position as well. I think that most of the time nurses on our m/s floors have 8 patients (with an LPN and aide). I really think I might actually enjoy med/surg. Then later if I want to be an ICU, ER, L&D, NICU, or whatever nurse I can and will have a great foundation. AH! Finally some clarity! :) Thanks again.