Help me sort what sort of nursing I would like best

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Specializes in MICU, neuro, orthotrauma.

Hi,

I have been a nurse for about three years now and still don't know what I want to do, though I have always been very drawn to critical care. I found out today that a surgical floor is not what I am after, and most likely not a surgical unit.

I like to solve puzzles, I like to look at labs and sort what they mean. blood gases with bmp's and cbc's taking into account immunosuppression or other adverse conditions and how they can play into hiding multiple newer problems, is probably my favorite part of nursing. I also enjoy joking around with patients and trying to get them to feel at ease with their diagnoses and educating them.

I enjoy trying to figure out varying heart sounds or different ways of sorting what may be going on with a patient by thumps or other physical inspections.

I do not enjoy post ops or dressing changes, or too many patients at once. Five is my absolute limit and I am not happy with five. I like to spend time musing and coordinating and solving the big picture.

I have only done neuro, some research (too much paperwork/office stuff y a w n), and telemetry - and frankly our tele patients are mostly CP r/t crack binge, and we don't do interventional caths, so experience with typical tele pt's I do not have, excepting a few months.

I really enjoy sorting what the EKG may say; in fact I am taking a semester long course on interpretation of the 12 lead. Work is not covering the costs nor will give me any kind of raise, nor is it necessary. I am doing it simply bc I want to know how to do it.

Is there a place for me where I would be useful and enjoy myself?

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Specializes in Critical Care/ICU.

Cath Lab?

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Specializes in MICU, neuro, orthotrauma.
Cath Lab?

dont they just help docs with procedures there? im probably showing my ignorance

whats ICU like for you?

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Have you ever considered becoming an NP? Sounds like that would be something you might enjoy.

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You sound just like me, and I am still searching for the perfect job. Haha. ;)

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Specializes in MICU, neuro, orthotrauma.
Have you ever considered becoming an NP? Sounds like that would be something you might enjoy.

I have not considered it, but now I am. I don't know how I missed that. Thank you.

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