ER or ICU for Externship?

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Which unit can I get the most hands on experience with the nursing skills that I have learned so far? I've never inserted an IV or a Foley Catheter, all those good stuff we learned.

I dont think I will work in an ER or ICU once I graduate. I just want exposure to as much of the hospital, the skills, and everything now before graduation which is 1 year away.

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For those typse of skills, the ER would probably be the best. In the ICUS you have the same patient or patients all day. At least the externs where I work have an assignment with an RN mentor.

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

I would also suggest the ER. You'll get more skills (the folks in ICU already are tubed, have foleys and IV's in place). You also get to work on assessment skills across all age ranges with all types of patients.

Just curious- Why don't you want to work in the ED or ICU? Please take the reason for not wanting to work there into consideration when planning your externship. -Andrea

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