should I go to ICU?

begalli · Jan 9, 2005

I say YES you should go into ICU if that's what you want to do!!

Take a look at these threads (I know you're not a new grad, but this thread applies to you too!!):

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82543

(especially read comment #8 by the poster heartICU)

Best of Luck to You!!

UCDSICURN · Jan 11, 2005

I currently work on a trauma-surgical-ortho floor(approx. 1.5 years) and want to eventually go to ICU. However I am really nervous that I don't have the knowledge to do ICU. Really I think it's just my confidence in myself that I don't have enough of. I've done fine on my current floor with 6-7 patients on average. Should I go to telemetry first? Are there good ICU books that might give me some confidence. Thanks!

No, you probably don't have the knowledge "to do" ICU right now. That's where the training comes in. That's why you would most likely attend a critical care course and have an extensive orientation to get exposed to the basics. There is a steep learning curve. It is challenging on many facets. It will be exciting for the most part. If you want to challenge yourself and take care of the sickest patients, then by all means do it. And if you get sick of it after a while, remember, once you go critical care you can go anywhere.

nurselily3 · Jan 12, 2005

I currently work on a trauma-surgical-ortho floor(approx. 1.5 years) and want to eventually go to ICU. However I am really nervous that I don't have the knowledge to do ICU. Really I think it's just my confidence in myself that I don't have enough of. I've done fine on my current floor with 6-7 patients on average. Should I go to telemetry first? Are there good ICU books that might give me some confidence. Thanks!

Yes you should. If you feel like the floor is boring you and you want a challenge you should do it. Don't ever feel like you don't have enough knowledge...none of us did when we started. We all learned, just like you learned how to be a floor nurse out of school. Same thing. And with ICU classes and some experience...you can do any type of nursing!