Experienced Neuro ICU nurses...Please tell me about the Neuro ICU!!!

[AJ BSN 2008]

Hello everyone. I am a new grad and have an interview tomorrow morning at a very prestigious hospital for an RN position in the neurosurgery ICU. I am so excited and terrified at the same time. ICU is definitely where I want to be but, I have very limited neuro experience since I am a new grad. To all the experienced neuro nurses out there--do you think it is ok for a new grad to begin in such a specialized area of nursing? I currently work on a tele unit as a nurses aid and could stay and work there as a new grad RN once I pass my NCLEX. Right now I am debating where I should start out. I'm afraid that starting out in a neuro ICU is biting off more than I can chew. Any thoughts or insight on this is much appreciated!!!

[bellehill, RN]

I know there are many different opinions on new grads in an ICU setting. I tend to think that nurses are better off with a year or two in a med-surg area before heading to ICU. A lot of people will argue that, but again, that is just my opinion. When you work ICU you are able to develop a routine, develop time management skills, learn the flow of nursing, learn medications and develop skills you will need in ICU. Having said that, if you are dead set against med-surg nursing then don't do it...your decision.

Maybe you should ask yourself what you think about neuro. Neuro is highly specialized...is this something you are interested in? You will not see cardiac cases, pulmonary..etc...it is geared strictly towards neuroscience. If you love neuro then go for it, if you don't really know yet then maybe work some place with a broader experience. Just something to think about.