Interested in ICU

[NurseyPoo7]

I'm really interested in ICU but I'm not sure when I should make the venture over to that specialty. I was an LPN in ALF for about a year and then this past Jan., I got my RN and in March I started on Med Surg/CVA. Our unit is supposed to change over to a specifically neuro unit soon. At this point, I still don't feel comfortable going to ICU, but I didn't know after how many months/years am I no longer considered a "new grad" or "new nurse" and would be a little more acceptable in an ICU environment.

Should I go from where I'm at now to a step-down unit and after I'm comfortable there go to ICU? Anyone have any tips or advice for me? Thanks.

[RN1982]

Perhaps transferring to an ICU-stepdown or progressive care unit. You'll get plenty of experience there before moving on to ICU. I worked on a medical progressive care unit for two years before moving to ICU and it really helped to have the experience especially with cardiac rhythms.

[mpccrn, BSN, RN]

i worked a step down unit for a couple of years before transferring to ICU permanently. i found stepdown was much harder in many respects. your assessment skills were really sharpened and were mostly what you had to rely on. You had to figure it out. once i got to ICU, there were lots and lots of toys to monitor patients and confirm what you assessed about your patient. the pressure was off. yes they are more sick in icu, but you already knew that. in stepdown you're in the middle. the patients you take care of are either getting better from a life threatening illness or they are about to crash.

if you want icu...go for it. your organizational skills should be already be set up. there is allot to learn, but organization is the key. good luck! :heartbeat

[NurseyPoo7]

This might be a weird question, but what exactly is the difference between an ICU and a Medical Coronary ICU? Would the MCICU focus on unstable cardiac pts only?

[RN1982]

It might take both cardiac and medical ICU patients. I work in SICU and sometimes we get overflow patients from MICU or CICU or NeuroICU.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

Some ICU's are specialized. I work a neuro ICU but get medical ICU, Cardiac ICU, and Surgical ICU patients as overflow.

[NurseyPoo7]

If I were to start on ICU with no prior experience other than med surg, I'm assuming I'll get a good amount of orientation? How long is an orientation for ICU for nurses in my situation ((I know it depends on facility, but I'm just trying to figure out an average)?

[RN1982]

If I were to start on ICU with no prior experience other than med surg, I'm assuming I'll get a good amount of orientation? How long is an orientation for ICU for nurses in my situation ((I know it depends on facility, but I'm just trying to figure out an average)?

Yeah, you'll get a good orientation and you'll need to get your ACLS certification. I had a 9 week orientation with critical care class and a preceptor. It was a great orientation. It depends on the hospital though how long the orientation is 9-12 weeks might be standard.