ICU Redo

[ldm2484]

After working on a Telemetry floor for 3 years successfully on night shift I accepted an ICU position day shift. The stress and social anxiety of the unit proved too much and I ended up leaving after a few issues and meetings with my manager that the setting may not be right. I now am wishing I would have pushed through and tried ICU on night shift with the "extra training" before leaving but am back on my old floor realizing I definitely miss things about ICU. Although I will stay where I'm at for now and fulfill my contract since I'm with the same hospital as i did not complete the 1 yr agreement ICU residency program, do you seasoned ICU nurses think a not entirely successful ICU nurse could try again at another hospital? Has anyone had this kind of experience and had a successful second attempt? I'm grateful for the job I have and was welcomed back and love Cardiac for which I am blessed. Any experience with this kind of situation would be appreciated. Thanks!

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Work your year contract. Consider a cardiac ICU as an interim step if one's available. Also consider that ICU nurses are by nature very protective of their patients and will (in general) point out mistakes that you're making. Most of the time that's meant to be constructive.

But never, ever second guess your gut. You were actually given a break. My preceptor used to say "Not everyone's cut out for the ICU" and you know, she was right. Just not in the way she meant it!

[osceteacher]

I've worked in a few ICUs, I knew its what I wanted from day one, most nurses I know are ICU nurses for life or they leave super quick and don't come back.

You could do what Ruby said and find one that is specific to cardiac? Otherwise I tend to think you know whether ICU is for you and most ICU are the same in my experience, a very insular group of nurses who tend to stick to their ICU unless, like me, we find a specialist role. The mere though of an experienced ICU nurse choosing to go back to a ward is sacrilege in ours, it could just not be for you.

[ldm2484]

Thank you for the responses! I am very glad for the experience and new skills and it does seem that people describe finding the ICU like falling in love, " you know when you know". All things happen for a reason and I will continue to walk the path the Lord has put be back onto and perhaps new doors will open and I will find my love.