CVSU or CCU?

[BamaRach23]

I was blessed enough to receive two job offers from a great hospital this week. The only problem? I have to choose which unit I want to work and I am having a hard time making a decision. I love cardiology so either one is a great choice. But I was hoping some of you with some experience working on these units might give me some perspective on what to expect. I know all hospitals are different but it would still be a great help to know what types of patients and situations you dealt with most of the time. Thanks so much! :)

[BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN]

I'd chose the unit that you felt best clicked for you, personality wise. Chose an environment where you seem likely to fit it, and feel supported. The second piece of criteria would be the schedule.

Everything else being equal, I'd choose CCU because there is more variety. I have done both, and CVSICU is pretty boring IMO. It's easier, but more task oriented. I was there for 2 years, but got very tired of the same half dozen diagnoses day after day. Once you master the routine and the equipment, there is never anything new under the sun, really. The patient's aren't' often there long enough to get to know them, or to really impact them in any way. CCU could mean anything, and they tend to be "cardiac cripples," and probably have 20 other things wrong as well. More meds, more diagnoses, more interesting.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

i've done both CCU and CVICU and have loved both. Pick the one where you feel most comfortable. You'll be there for two years, so you might as well be comfortable. The scheduling will change over the course of your time there, but hopefully the staff will remain more or less constant, so choose the one where you felt you "clicked".