ER vs. ICU

[aungiec]

I'm a nursing student and I'm trying to decide whether or not to choose the ER or ICU for my practicum. I'm interested in both, but have never really been exposed to either. My concern is being able to find a job when I get out of school b/c I've had difficulty in the past trying to find jobs with a degree. I'm leaning towards ER right now b/c most of my classmates have asked for ICU, and I'm afraid I won't get my pick if I do ICU. If I do ER for my practicum and decide I want to go into ICU when I graduate, will it be difficult for me to get hired, since I don't have that experience? Also, is it difficult to find ER jobs as a new grad? Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[sbfairy]

I think you should pick the one you are most personally interested in. The truth is that a lot of hospitals do not hire new grad directly into either of these specialty areas. At my hospital the ER would not take you unless you are already an experienced ER nurse or you have at 1 years experience on another floor (preferably PCU, ICU, CCU or some other job where you deal with EKGs and the seriously ill). I would look at this as an opportunity to get a closer look at an area that I am seriously interested in, rather than as a job prospect. Having said that, once you get into your practicum take that opportunity to make contacts just in case. It may be helpful to note that ER is not all trauma and saving lives. Most days you will spend your time dealing with people who need a social worker and not a nurse. In ICU you'll work one on one with very sick people but it has its draw backs as well (pt's dying, lots of bodily fluids to wade through, fighting families, etc.). I think either one would be a good experience for you though.

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Apply for both. I've worked in both and they offer differing experiences and skills. It is probably easier to go ICU to ER than ER to ICU but that is what I did. Nursing is a great field because of the plethora of opportunities. Just a note, ICU can go anywhere but ER not so much. Just take the best job you get, good luck. Your potential to get hired is highly influenced by your enthusiasm, integrity, and impression on interview.

[jkr2020788]

It depends on what you like! Do you like the hustle and bustle of a busy ER, or do you like concentrating all of your nursing skills on a couple patients who need constant monitoring? I personally love both, and that is why I still do both. In ICU you will see things youve probably never heard of in nursing school. For instance, have you ever heard of a bladder pressure monitor? There is one in our ICU right now.

Also a big question to ask yourself is whether or not you plan on going back to school for a master's degree. Nearly every CRNA school wants you to have really good ICU experience. Don't not do something because everyone else is doing it though. If you like that area, try your hardest to get in. Eventually you will get in the area you want to be in, as long as you continue to get quality nursing experiences.