Going from Onc/Med-Surg to ICU

[ricki76, BSN, MSN, RN]

I have been an RN for 5 years, the last four years working Oncology/Med-Surg. I've been going back and forth about making the move to ICU, and just applied for an ICU training program yesterday.

I love Oncology, and in a lot of ways feel like that is my calling. However, working at a mid-sized hospital means that our Oncology floor gets a lot of Med-Surg overflow. So while I am an oncology nurse, when it comes down to it I'm really working med-surg. I've thought about applying to the local cancer clinic however I don't want to lose my hospital nursing skills, and frankly can't afford the pay cut until my student loans are paid off in a couple of years. But I love my oncology patients.

I have my MSN but don't want to go into administration or quality (too many bad politics where I am). But I want to live up to my potential and learn all that I can to be the most clinically sound, well rounded nurse I can be. While I love my cancer patients and the role I can play in their lives, I am feeling the urge to push myself and be surrounded by others who feel the same - people who actually care or need to know the intricacies of what's going on with their patient. I feel in some ways floor nursing is dumbing me down because when it comes down to it, you don't have to know the details of people's illnesses in order to do an adequate job. Without turning this into a floor vs unit debate, my manager on my floor does not exactly encourage excellence so people get away with a lot of crap that I know simply would not fly in an ICU. Basically I feel like I've reached the limit of my growth where I am currently and I'm getting bored, burned out, and frustrated with those around me who aren't as driven or seem to care as much about knowing the details of their patients.

I feel like an a$$ because I'm getting paid to go to an Oncology conference (Congress) this week and may very well be leaving to ICU when I get back. But, when I asked my manager to help me apply for the ONC exam she had a less than lackluster response (I think she's burned out too) and so I have not applied for my ONC certification. Shouldn't a manager be excited about their staff choosing to get certified? (We have grant money that pays for our testing). Then all of a sudden this ICU job posted and I applied. Obviously I may not get the job, but I guess what I'm asking is, how do you know if/when moving from the floor to ICU is the right thing to do?

[ricki76, BSN, MSN, RN]

Any advice anyone? :/

[Ellie G]

I went from oncology to infusion and then to ICU. If you're comfortable with hanging chemo, levophed won't scare you. Ca affects every body system, so you'll have dealt with neurological, hematologic, gu, gi, respiratory, and dealing with medication side effects. You'll already be comfortable with narcotics, transfusions of blood products, and central lines. You've most likely dealt with telemetry and trachs also. I think oncology really prepares you for making a move to ICU. I loved both oncology and ICU. Do what your heart tells you to do.

[ricki76, BSN, MSN, RN]

Thank you! I have an interview next week, fingers crossed!!!

[TNT_RN09, BSN, RN]

Wow your post is my exact feelings! I've been on med surg for 8 years and finally applied to ICU transfer 2 weeks ago & I got the job! I'm so ready

[ricki76, BSN, MSN, RN]

Congratulations! I just found out I got the job, and am now definitely feeling like its the right decision for me! I can't wait to start!!!

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

.....

[TicTok411]

Med sure ICU was my least favorite of the ICUs with Neuro coming in a close second. Lots of DTs, and chronic patients that never seem to leave.. Give me Trauma, SICU or CTICU any day

[Doglover16]

I know this is very late to the thread, but I’m wondering if anyone could offer me some advice or opinions! Im a new grad and recently got a job offer in an oncology unit at a reputable hospital. Though Im hoping to transfer to the ICU in about 2-3 years after getting experience and solidifying my basic nursing knowledge and critical thinking skills. 

 I was wondering if the skills gained in onco will be applicable to the ICU and if ICUs will hire and train onco nurses to become ICU nurses? 

This is my dream hospital and I am happy to start on whichever unit with them!

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

On 6/30/2021 at 4:34 AM, Doglover16 said:

I was wondering if the skills gained in onco will be applicable to the ICU and if ICUs will hire and train onco nurses to become ICU nurses? 

Any acute care experience will give you skills and training that will transfer to ICU. There is no unit, I don't think, that makes you more likely to get into ICU. It depends on your hospital, the hiring manager, and the other applicants at the time. If five experienced ICU nurses apply are you likely to be hired over them? Obviously not, but if you have a good employment record in the Onc unit, then your manager is likely to be a good person to recommend you for the ICU. Good luck!