ICC or PCU?

[ArtisticNurse]

I've undergone interview in a good hospital for their Critical Care Internship. If I get accepted, it's basically a FT job that could lead to a permanent position. I am excited with the opportunity since I've always wanted to be in Critical Care.

I was asked to shadow in 2 units tomorrow: Intermediate Care Center & Progressive Care Unit to see which unit is a better fit.

Can you tell me the difference? What are your thoughts and experiences in these units? Any tip?

Thanks everyone!

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

They are both ICU step-down units. Intermediate care is usually more acute than PCU, but PCU deals with the cardiac cases (cardiac cath, CABG, arrhythmias, electrolyte imbalances, heart failure), though not exclusively, while intermediate care is a general medical unit. Vents and major drips are generally not seen in PCU, but stable vents and drips that need titration will be seen in Intermediate care. Both units are monitored units. Hope this helps. :)

[ArtisticNurse]

They are both ICU step-down units. Intermediate care is usually more acute than PCU but PCU deals with the cardiac cases (cardiac cath, CABG, arrhythmias, electrolyte imbalances, heart failure), though not exclusively, while intermediate care is a general medical unit. Vents and major drips are generally not seen in PCU, but stable vents and drips that need titration will be seen in Intermediate care. Both units are monitored units. Hope this helps. :)[/quote']

Thanks!

Both gave me a good experience. Got offers in both units. I accepted the PCU offer :) really excited.