End of life as we know it???

[grnvillechick]

I have been in Nursing well over 10 years. I like the critical care field the best ------( though that is not to say some floor nurses I have worked with can't run circles around the specialized areas!)..I currently am in a Neuro ICU....last week we were told--not asked-- that our 5 bed unit is being closed for 6 weeks and we were being sent to Surgical ICU because of staffing issues.At the end of the 6 week period, they are to "re-evaluate" things and possibly re-open our unit.I work in the largest city hospital in the area. My frustration, as you can imagine, is thru the roof . If I wanted to work in Surgical ICU..I would have applied there!!! Now, don't get me wrong, I have experience in that area..and I am not afraid to work. But essentially, our rights as licensed professionals were stomped on and then some. I would like your input on this...is anyone else out there being farmed out like step children to areas they choose not to work...what would you do??? I am so disillusioned, I am very close to throwing in the towel!!!! HELP!!!!

[RNPD]

While I agree it is upsetting and frustrating, it happens in many professions, not just nursing. A department is closed due to budget considerations, and the woprk absorbed by those that remain. The workers are either laid off or perhaps offered an opportunity in another department. This is what happened to you. While I agree it stinks and is more of the old "a nurse is a nurse is a..." routine, I only see 2 options. 1) Stay and hope they reopen your unit-because neuro is very specialized and perhaps the docs will step in, or 2)look for another job in another neuro ICU. If the first doesn't work out, you can always go to the second. My sympathies to you, and good luck-I hope it works out the way you want!

[nurs4kids]

Just count your blessings that you've not experienced that until now. Remember this, though. Your neuro patients will have to go somewhere. You will probably see the same patients, and the sicu staff will be no more excited to take your neuro patients than you their surgical. You're not at UAB, are you??

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

Seems like you should apply to transfer to another ICU area, and in 6 weeks "consider" returning- depending on what YOUR needs are.

If it is financially feasible perhaps a turn to per diem would allow you to work the hours you like, and let you try out a variety of areas.