Interviewing for the PICU, from experience in Med Surg

[hopemedsurg2picu]

Hi everyone! So a little about me, I've been a nurse for almost 2 years. I started on an Ortho floor (and found out that was totally not for me lol-I was very bored) -and the med surg unit in my hospital was desperate for nurses so I transitioned there and have been there for almost 1.5 years. What is nice about my floor is that we are capable of taking stepdown patients as well, so I've gotten great experience with stepdown patients along with floor patients. Anyway basically, even though I love my coworkers, I just truly do not enjoy med surg anymore. We are CONSTANTLY short staffed, I'm in charge a lot with a full assignment, and all the nurses I'm working with are brand new. I feel miserable going in to work knowing the crazy day I'm going to have, having the same patients readmitted to the unit with the same issues they had 2 months ago, and I feel like I'm being burnt out. I pray for 1930 every day and I just don't have a real challenge intellectually. It's more challenging physically and emotionally I guess you could say if you've ever had experience with med surg. Anyway, a friend encouraged me to apply to the PICU, saying I'd be really great there (I love children and love talking to families, and I'd think I'd really love an icu setting. I would love to focus on my patients more rather than trying to squeeze them into my day). And so I had the application ready to submit for days I swear, I was just so apprehensive to apply (they aren't going to want me!! I have no peds or critical care experience!!--guys I needed major encouragement) I also have been feeling super guilty about leaving my floor. I was so afraid they'd be upset due to the fact that we are short. Well I mustered up the courage because I honestly think I would love it, and I wanted to do this for me. I know it's going to be challenging, difficult, and I'm scared out of my mind, but at the same time I'm so ready to learn and I'm just so excited for the opportunity. It's made me excited about nursing again, which I haven't felt in a while. Well I applied and literally the next day I had an email from the unit director saying they are very interested and would love to schedule an interview and shadow experience!! I was thrilled!! I don't interview till next week, but just wanted to know if any of you went into the PICU without peds or icu experience. I'm ready to study ready to learn and do whatever it takes to succeed. :)