Left the ICU after 1.5 yrs, where to next?

[bdemismi, BSN, RN]

Hi everyone, I'm an RN with 1.5 years of experience in a cancer center's ICU. After my first year, I found myself feeling miserable and hating my job to the extent that I was willing to quit without having another job lined up. I've been unemployed for 1 month now and feel much better overall, but now I find myself not getting any job offers. I do not aspire to become a CRNA and I no longer want to work in a bedside position. I am interested in something procedural such as IR. Is there anyone who started out in ICU that found their niche in a procedural RN position and what is it? 

[Emergent, RN]

If you found the ICU claustrophobic and suffocating, I recommend emergency room nursing.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Having over a year in ICU opens up a bunch of options. Cath lab? PACU? Maybe IR, depends on your organization. OR? Good luck

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Where have you applied?

[bdemismi, BSN, RN]

Been there,done that said:

Where have you applied?

Thanks for the question! I've applied to a variety of positions; outpatient, research, PACU, Cath Lab/IR. Unfortunately, I haven't made much traction and have no offers. 

[Lipoma, BSN, RN]

bdemismi said:

Thanks for the question! I've applied to a variety of positions; outpatient, research, PACU, Cath Lab/IR. Unfortunately, I haven't made much traction and have no offers. 

Give the ED a shot? It's definitely going to be a challenge because you're switching mindset from "I need to know every single detail" to "I only care for what is presented in front of me" and ship off. That said, that's what I LOVE about the ED. But one thing I love about the CCU is that patients are generally more friendly and appreciative whereas in the ED, patients are so argumentative and needy (once they sign in, they become crippled).

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

bdemismi said:

Thanks for the question! I've applied to a variety of positions; outpatient, research, PACU, Cath Lab/IR. Unfortunately, I haven't made much traction and have no offers. 

You've only been looking for one month. Did you get any interviews?  One month is not very long in a job search.  

[bdemismi, BSN, RN]

Been there,done that said:

You've only been looking for one month. Did you get any interviews?  One month is not very long in a job search.  

I started 3 months ago with outpatient type positions and this past month I've switched mostly to IR/PACU. 4 interviews so far, 2 outpatient, 1 research, and 1 IR. I was wondering if my ICU experience being in oncology has been making it more difficult to land positions in IR/cath lab. 

[Peachpit]

Have you considered free standing surgical centers or radiology centers? Most larger cities have them. That may be one way to get your foot in the  door with the flavor of nursing your are wanting to move into. Maybe a travel position focused on what you are wanting? 

With your ICU experience I'm actually surprised you aren't being flooded w/offers.

[antsrt4, BSN]

PACU for sure....travel pacu..pay yourself and fill your cup :D

[Curious1alwys, BSN, RN]

Lipoma said:

Give the ED a shot? It's definitely going to be a challenge because you're switching mindset from "I need to know every single detail" to "I only care for what is presented in front of me" and ship off. That said, that's what I LOVE about the ED. But one thing I love about the CCU is that patients are generally more friendly and appreciative whereas in the ED, patients are so argumentative and needy (once they sign in, they become crippled).

"Once they sign in they become crippled" 

ROTFLMAO!

[delrionurse]

Emergent said:

If you found the ICU claustrophobic and suffocating, I recommend emergency room nursing.

If it's a well run ER.