How long is enough time to stay in the ICU?

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Hi, there.

So I'm just curious as to how long is considered "enough time" to be considered competent in an ICU and for the experience to be valuable to perspective employers on a resume?

I have been at my current job in the ICU for almost three years (three years in January) and feel like my time maybe coming to a close on my unit. Is three years enough time to be marketable as an ICU nurse?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Absolutely- three years is a good length of time. Have you taken the CCRN exam- might also make you more marketable?

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I have taken my CCRN :)

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I believe after 1-2 years you should be competent (maybe not completely confident yet). Three years in an ICU is very marketable, especially if that ICU is in a larger institution.

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Specializes in ICU.

Yup. I think 2 years is good. Go wherever you want now! You'll have plenty of options.

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Specializes in ICU.

I stayed in my first ICU for 2.5 years and had multiple job offers when I was ready to move on. You'll totally be marketable at this point.

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