should I get more experience??

MSBYRD0915 · Sep 17, 2007

YOU SHOULD TAKE A TELE CLASS, ACLS AND WORK ON PCU TO START:madface:

Burnt2 · Sep 17, 2007

YOU SHOULD TAKE A TELE CLASS, ACLS AND WORK ON PCU TO START:madface:

yikes :uhoh3:

If you want to work in a CCU, go for it. They'll orient you, get you the classes/requirements you need (including ACLS, IABP, CVVH, a rhythm class, and whatever else).

http://www.icufaqs.org is a pretty neat site for reading.

I started in CCU straight out of school and I did fine; i've been there for 3 years now.

Its tough - not really because of the high acuity (It's a steep learning curve, don't get me wrong), but because of the elitist eat-their-young approach so many ICU nurses have towards new recruits.

Much like the above poster aptly demonstrated.

Dinith88 · Sep 18, 2007

...but because of the elitist eat-their-young approach so many ICU .

Hey...anyone got some salt and a fork?

If you've already been doing med-surg, etc. you're experienced enough. Just apply. You'll learn what you need to when you're there. Like the above poster said, they'll occaisionally take new grads in these areas...and you're already more experienced than a new grad. You'll need a touch of enthusiasm, a touch of ability,...and a whole lot of "...i'm just as 'good' a nurse as these guys..."-type of attitude. It's amazing how many cement-heads you'll meet in critical care or ER who survive not because they're great nurses...but because they're completely and utterly convinced they're super-smart intelli-awesome nurse-masters. (what a bunch of dorks...that lot).

You'll be fine...Just do it!

April, RN, BSN, RN · Sep 27, 2007

What about starting on a telemetry floor or cardiac step-down unit first to get your feet wet and see if you like it? The cardiac experience would definately benefit you if you decided to move on to CCU or ER (or any other area for that matter... everyone has a heart )