ICU to ED

[kmsberg]

I've had almost 2 years under my belt in a Medical ICU and am looking to get into a different area of nursing. The ED interests me the most since most of our sick patients come from the ED. I've learned A LOT in the ICU but I feel like I'm getting burnt out from the difficult family members who make my job 1000 times worse, sick patients with chronic illnesses who aren't going to get better, and knowing the same patient will be on the floor for weeks/months. I'm worried that transitioning to the ED will be challenging for me but I wanted to know other peoples advice on what makes a great ED nurse and how I could prepare myself for interviewing. Appreciate all your kind words and suggestions!

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

The great thing about the ED is that there is a quick turnover of patients versus ICU where the patients are there forever. The ED does has its challenges such as frequent fliers, non emergency bs and just plain ole crazy. As an ICU nurse those were my biggest challenge s. You have to be ready for all and any type of patient. Maybe you can do some share time , you may end up loving it.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

You have just plain crazy families in the ED as well....but at least you KNOW their time is limited

[BellionRN]

Your reasons for leaving ICU are very much like my own! I left our MSICU and moved to the Emergency Department and I loved it. Best move I could have made at that point. It has its own issues like those outlined by previous posters, but they are blessedly temporary.

The biggest problem for me when I moved was switching my brain off ICU (knowing every detail about my patient from blood work results from the last 3 days to bowel habits to knowing how my vented, sedated patient preferred to be positioned just based on vitals and assessments haha) and on to ER (knowing the pertinent details, sometimes doing focused assessment, such as in our more clinic-like area, vs head to toe, that it's okay to let patients be independent when appropriate, sometimes having to leave something to later (complete bed bath) so you can deal with a critical situation next door).

You learn something about everything. There is also usually great teamwork because everyone knows it can hit the fan at any moment and what it's like to be completely swamped.

Give it a shot! :)

[RNStacey]

I also switched from the ICU to the ER after two years. I love it! The broad spectrum of patients, fast pace, and endless learning opportunities make it a great place to work. Best wishes!