Level I Trauma Center

A little background on myself, I graduated from a diploma program early 2015 and began working in a mixed medical/surgical ICU at a rather large community hospital. Since working there I have obtained the CCRN certification and am about 6 months shy of completing a BSN degree.

A friend of mine whom I went to nursing school and have maintained communication with applied for an ER position at a very reputable trauma center and was hired. She happened to give the nurse recruiter my information and they reached out for an interview for a critical care position.

I would love to work at this level I trauma center, but fear and complacency are holding me back. I would love some advice and input on the matter.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Oct 5, 2016

What kind of fears do you have? Are you looking at the trauma ed or trauma icu?

Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2016

What kind of fears do you have? Are you looking at the trauma ed or trauma icu?

Thanks for responding! I have this fear that I may not be good enough, or will drown. Also I have been with my current facility for 8 years and have become pretty much used to it, so packing up and going elsewhere is a little frightening. This position would be for surgical/trauma ICU.

KJoRN81, RN · Oct 11, 2016

I think you should go for it! My high school choir teacher always said that if you don't put yourself out there and get out of your comfort zone, you'll never do anything in life. It is so true. You can do it!!!!

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Oct 11, 2016

Thanks for responding! I have this fear that I may not be good enough, or will drown. Also I have been with my current facility for 8 years and have become pretty much used to it, so packing up and going elsewhere is a little frightening. This position would be for surgical/trauma ICU.

Look, you are making it more than what it is. Yes, it's icu. Yes, you will see some crazy stuff. But, you know what you need to know. Lab values are the same, vital signs? Same. You just chart them more often. Meds? You still give them. You may just be titrating some drips. Your vital signs will guide you. Codes? Yes, we have some. They don't throw you in the fire in the beginning. Just know how to do compressions.

You have the knowledge. You just will have to learn how to apply it.