Looking in to ICU nursing

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Hello all, This is my first post. I've read and acquired TONS of knowledge from this forum, so thank you all for that.

I'm currently a paramedic and have been for over ten years. I've worked in critical care transport both as the sole advanced provider and with an RN. I really enjoy hemodynamics, acid/base and airway management. Lets face it, there's no money in pre-hospital EMS. I've read stories of ICU RNs making near 100K with not too much overtime. But, this question isn't really about the pay.

I'm looking in to an accelerated BSN (I already have an unrelated bachelor's degree) and really I'm only considering ICU, trauma, medical, surgical, cardio... as an option.

My question is that I'm really concerned with being unhappy. I really enjoy the hemodynamics etc. but I'm worried that I'll be unhappy with the "nursing 101" stuff such as diaper changes, bathing, etc. I love helping people, but I would not be good at that sort of stuff. Should I stay away from being an RN and shoot for getting in to PA school and hopefully scoring an ICU gig?

Thanks?

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Specializes in ICU.

Diaper changes? Are you looking at NICU?

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That was probably a poor choice of wording. I would love PICU/NICU but I was thinking of an adult ICU when I made that statement. Obviously patients that are unable to walk to the bathroom have to be changed. I view this as a very compassionate and necessary patient care responsibility. Just not something I think I would be good at because I don't have that mindset.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Welcome to allnurses.com

Thread moved to Nursing Career Advice.

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Specializes in General Surgery, NICU.

Hello oobray,

I have never worked in adult ICU, but several of my former co-workers went to adult ICU (I went to NICU). They report having to provide almost all the hands on care to their patients, including baths, personal care, bed changes, etc. They have some assistance from patient care assistants, but they are responsible for basically all of the care of their patients. Based on what you expressed, I think you would be better suited and fulfilled as a provider in an ICU or trauma environment. Good luck!

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