Telemetry nurse to ICU?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Cardicac Neuro Telemetry.

I have been an RN for almost an entire year for a semi large hospital system in the Dallas/Ft worth area. I currently work on a telemetry unit. I've always been drawn to critical care and have this strong urge to go to the ICU. I've been told it's easier to transition to ICU after gaining some experience on the floor than it is to go straight to critical care after nursing school. So, what's the general consensus among the ICU folks? I'm debating on whether I should apply for a transfer within my hospital system or stay with tele for a while.

I'm not an ICU nurse, but if ICU is what you want, go for it!

Specializes in Critical care.

I did tele after finishing school then moved on to ICU. I've been in the ICU for a little under a year and love it. Once you reach that year mark I'd start keeping your eyes open for open positions.

Specializes in Cardicac Neuro Telemetry.
I did tele after finishing school then moved on to ICU. I've been in the ICU for a little under a year and love it. Once you reach that year mark I'd start keeping your eyes open for open positions.

I'm debating between a CVICU or a medical (or even a surgical) icu. I love cardiac stuff but I'm afraid the cvicu may be too specific? I'm planning on applying once January rolls around.

Depends on what you want to do. If you really like heart stuff, then MICU or CVICU could be good. However, I think it depends on what kind of hospital you're in i.e. trauma level and does your hospital do a lot of planned open heart surgery or other cardiac procedures? If that's the case, possible that your CVICU could be somewhat routine- surgery-extubated-up in the chair- eating-walking-discharge. MICU does a lot of heart stuff too, but with a lot more of the chronic conditions included in my experience. SICU also depends on what kinda hospital. Do you get a lot of trauma, or neuro, or more post surgical patients? Routine or emergent?

Honestly, you can't go wrong with any decision you make. Gain the skills and if you get bored, move on.

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