I dont think ICU is for me:(

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Specializes in ICU.

This is my very first post. I have been coming to this site for a long time, and I think I have found some wonderful information especially in relation to critical care.

I am sad to say that I think ICU is not for me. I have worked hard in the year and a half I have worked in the ICU, and have been hoping since day one that I would eventually get used to it. I have taken every oportunity to learn, been to every confrence or educational opportunity. I have been studying (and continue to do so) on my own time learning about the areas I am weak in. I work 4 12 hour days a week (by choice) in order to improve and give my very all to succeed in this job, and I typically pick up 2-3 extra shifts a month.

I dont think I am horrible at it, but I am not great either. I feel like I would have to be in ICU for 10 years before I could really say I was comfortable. I didnt come into this job expecting it to be rainbows and butterflies, I knew it would be hard. But I just really dont like it.

How soon is too soon before you felt good about moving on? I feel guilty about searching for a new job so soon.

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Specializes in Emergency, Haematology/Oncology.

Come to the darkside!, and try working less hours....

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

You've lasted a long time. You mentioned 18 calendar months, but with the number of work hours per week you cited, it could be equivalent to two years of full-time work.

Give yourself some credit for staying in a specialty that you've not liked. You've given it a go; you've studied to become more competent in your specialty. Life is too short to continue staying in something you don't like, esp. when it is obvious you've tried your best to make it work.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in ICU.

Thank you both! It is very hard to give up on something you have worked so hard at. I have thought alot about going PRN if a slot opened up and trying my hand at something else. I am really not sure what area I would be interested in, maybe nuclear med, or home health. We have home health positions within our hospital but I think I would feel better with a few more years of acute care under my belt before I tackled the home health arena.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

There is a book or research paper that states it takes 7 years for a nurse to become an expert in whatever his or her chosen area is.

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It sounds like it's not for you, but possibly burnout from working so much. I love my job but weeks I pick up a ton of OT I hate everything about it! Can you try a month of 3-12s and see if that helps? And maybe do non-nursing stuff on your off days?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Step-Down.

Do you actually not like ICU nursing or did you just have expectations that you would feel "comfortable" at this point? The ICU is tough, I'm sure you are still learning things all the time. If you really don't like it then switch, there are lots of specialties out there.

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What exactly do you not like about ICU? I worked on a trauma unit and loved the actual job but really hated nights and how tired I felt all the time...took a toll on my personal life. It sounds like you are totally going over and beyond to educate yourself to be the best you can be, which is very admirable. I would feel very lucky to have you as my nurse. That being said, maybe you are overdoing it on hours spent there. Perhaps stay in ICU PRN and work on a surgical unit or the ER full time?? :)

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Specializes in Gerontology.

There is nothing wrong with not liking ICU. There are plenty of other areas to try. Despite what some people may say, sub acute, such as rehab, is just as rewarding. You still use many of your nursing skills but is usually a little slower paced.

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Specializes in OR Hearts 10.

You could be a great asset to a stepdown tele floor. You could stay prn in the ICU and have the skills to float there if need be.

Good luck and like the others say, cut back a few shifts and see if you like it better. The hard part is the change in pay when you cut back to 3-12 a week.......

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

You work too much. I applaud you for trying so hard to learn your job. You need down time to reenergize and for your neural pathways to form engrams. I loved my job anew when I went from 36 hours to 24 hours per week. If you want to feel comfortable in your job, you may never get there. ICU is tough and there is always something new to learn. I would hang in there and reboot your outlook. Good luck.

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Specializes in nursing education.
There is a book or research paper that states it takes 7 years for a nurse to become an expert in whatever his or her chosen area is.

APA style citation please.

Interesting concept. I bet it is true, on average...and whether the nurse chose the area, or it chose her (or him!)

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