ICU vs ER for a PCT

[sslickerson]

Hello fellow PCTs!

I currently work in ortho/med/surg but I am looking into getting a position in either the ICU or ER/ED. I was just wondering if any of you could tell me about either of these areas and what your typical shift is like. I currently work nights but I am definitely looking to work days at some point. Essentially I want to learn new skills and I've pretty much done it all in med/surg (step-down not ICU). Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[dcsmith1]

Once the ED gets the pt. basically stable they are sent to a Trauma ICU unit. That is where I work as a PCT. I love it and would never go back to med/surg. Some of the differences are: I don't spend my shift taking vitals and fetching ice water, the nurse to pt. ratio is lower and the nurses seem less stressed and more able to focus on delivering great care. You will learn new skills and perhaps gain a new perspective on healthcare as a whole. I know I have. Good luck to ya.

[sslickerson]

Once the ED gets the pt. basically stable they are sent to a Trauma ICU unit. That is where I work as a PCT. I love it and would never go back to med/surg. Some of the differences are: I don't spend my shift taking vitals and fetching ice water, the nurse to pt. ratio is lower and the nurses seem less stressed and more able to focus on delivering great care. You will learn new skills and perhaps gain a new perspective on healthcare as a whole. I know I have. Good luck to ya.

Thank so much! I was hoping you would say that :)

[GeoffreyKerns]

I work in a busy urban emergency department as a technician, and I would have to say that there is a world of difference between that and working on a floor. While you still are fetching water and wiping butt, you also need to do a great deal in assisting with the initial care and resuscitation of each incoming patient. There are a lot of places that only hire EMTs for ER positions because of the vast difference in skill sets between ER techs and patient care techs on med/surg and even critical care units.

If you can get in and manage the change of pace and massive increase in workload, ER is incredibly rewarding. You get to be a part of care that often brings about a very rapid change in the condition of the patients, and that to me is the most rewarding component.

What it all comes down to, in my opinion, is that some people are made for ER and some people are not. If you feel like you are up for the challenge, I definitely recommend giving it a try.