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.
ICU is draining due to the enormous knowledge and application pressures.
Cut back on your hours. Seriously.
Living is about balance; your scale is tipped too far in one direction. Also it's especially important to maintain that balance if you work in a busy, full-service ICU.
My favorite job was as a traveller RN, working both ICU and ER in a smaller hosptal, but still "big enough" that we saw it all.
My least favorite position was my first job right out of college...super busy ICU with crap for education and support.
Maybe take a look at the environment you're working in as well. ICU itself can be downright wonderful...in the right environment.
There's no shame in taking a break and working a different arena for a couple of years. Sometimes, distance provides great clarity!
once upon a time when the hospital was cutting staff there was a lot of "bumping" going on; staff whose jobs were being cut could "bump" someone with less seniority for a position anywhere in the house.
and that is how i, the icu clin spec, ended up with three desperately unhappy ob nurses who had to orient to icu if they wanted to keep their paychecks. i felt terrible for them but i tried my damnedest to make it understandable and engage them, but you know, their hearts just were in labor and delivery, and they just hated it. after three months they had all quit and looked for l&d jobs elsewhere. and you know what? one of them got a coveted spot in a high-risk unit in the big city nearby, because she had critical care training. which she wouldn't have had if this whole merry-go-round hadn't spit her off in my direction.
what i'm trying to say is that you may very well be burnt out and need a break from icu but no learning is ever wasted. wherever you go, you will find yourself more valuable because of your icu experience. you may even find that you want to go back to an icu in a few months or years, and will do so with more skills (from wherever you went) and a refreshed heart. good luck, and stay in touch.:hug:
Ha, you're too funny! I used to have a baby name book with the top 20 smart names for boys and girls. Noticed that my brother's and my names were both on the list! Alas, I got rid of the book...
My first jobs were ICU. I was a Neurosurgery ICU RN and then Transferred to STICU, both at huge teaching hospitals. I transferred because I thought my unhappiness was due to the particular unit. Turned out I really was NOT an ICU nurse. I left and had a great career as an Emergency Dept Nurse. ED was really my place. Now that I am OLD and have 11 years of Nursing experience, I realize that I did not give the ICU enough time for me to actually get enough experience to feel totally comfortable. I was working beside 20 year veterans who had that eagle eye and spidey sense when a pt's saturation went from 96% to 94% that it would be about 78% in a matter of hours. It takes years to develop that spidey sense...
It sounds as if you are working A lot and then focusing on work when you are not at work. Maybe reduce the hours and do something FUN, go to the beach...take a painting class, an exercise class, or volunteer doing something not health related. (I run with the Special Olympics kids as a coach in my town, it is so fun!) and see how things seem...Good Luck... If you find you really hate it, transfer. When you are in the ICU, people act as if it's the ONLY place to be a nurse, there are so many places to make a difference.
Guttercat, ASN, RN
1,353 Posts
ICU is draining due to the enormous knowledge and application pressures.
Cut back on your hours. Seriously.
Living is about balance; your scale is tipped too far in one direction. Also it's especially important to maintain that balance if you work in a busy, full-service ICU.
My favorite job was as a traveller RN, working both ICU and ER in a smaller hosptal, but still "big enough" that we saw it all.
My least favorite position was my first job right out of college...super busy ICU with crap for education and support.
Maybe take a look at the environment you're working in as well. ICU itself can be downright wonderful...in the right environment.
There's no shame in taking a break and working a different arena for a couple of years. Sometimes, distance provides great clarity!