how do you end up in CCU?

[sophie<3]

just a nursing student thinking about job possibilities...and i love hearing stories/opinions/experiences of others who have been there, seen that, and the works. so you tell me, how did you end up working in a CCU? was it your first choice? did you do med/surg, tele, etc right out of school? do you enjoy what you do? i am a float tech and have floated to CCU and think i might be interested...everything is so complex though and intimidating!

[Biffbradford]

I watched all the trauma and ER shows on TV when I was in school and I knew THAT'S what I wanted to do. I went into the CVICU straight from school, and it was *HELL*. It continued to be Hell the whole 12 years I was there, but I grew into it. Am very glad that I did it, but now I've moved on. Folks that I know continue to say that it's still Hell and it will be Hell for you too! It's not for everybody, but you will learn more than you ever thought that you could learn and you will grow as a person from what you see and experience. Have fun! :)

[redheadedRN]

I started on a Med-surg floor that also dealt with Detox first out of nursing school. After a year I felt the urge to gain new knowledge, new experiences, and just be a nurse instead of a "drug bartender". I was never great at cardiac stuff in school or on the med-surg floor, but thought what the heck? I applied and was offered the job on the spot and I accepted with much anxiety. I have been on this floor for 1 1/2 yrs and absolutely LOVE IT! I have learned so much and there is so much more to learn and do. I was extremely overwhelmed at first but eventually I have become more comfortable and confident.