ER or PCU/Step-Down?

[nursingsprettycool17, BSN]

Which specialty will provide a better experience / knowledge base / a better chance at getting into an ICU? In another sense, which specialty would an ICU manager prefer to see on a resume? All personality characteristics of the candidate put aside.

[beekee]

All ERs and PCUs are not the same. Some will handle primarily relatively low acuity patients, and some will be pretty high acuity.

Instead of labels, focus on the experience. Is the unit supportive? Appropriately staffed? Will you get an adequate orientation? Is the manager good? Is the turnover low? And, of course, what patient populations do you typically see here?