Watching my friends leave :( Question about future.

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

I've been working at my hospital for over a year now. It was great when I started, because there were so many people I went to school with working there as well! Our hospital and school are linked financially, so they tend to hire new grads from our school more often than not.

However, through out this year, many of my friends have left Some left for greener pastures, others just work on different shifts. Which is bound to happen, I know, but I miss them all greatly, and while working with them, felt it made my working experience a more home-like one.

Don't get me wrong, I still love working there. Even with the oh-so-common issues that we all suffer through, i.e. short staffing. But also recently I've been asked by a number of co-workers if I wanted to transfer to the ICU. I mean, frequently asked. While I'm interested in a higher acuity setting, the ICU is extremely hard work (I'm talking manual work). Night shift ICU nurses are tasked with giving the baths, weighing the patients daily, and though wounds should be done 24/7, it seems like night shift gets tasked with that responsibility more often than not.

I know I shouldn't be concerned with that stuff, because it's just part of the job. But primarying those already high acuity patients is strenuous enough without adding the extra manual responsibilities. I feel like that makes me whiny, or even slightly superficial to have that affect my decision. But I can't help how I feel.

Another consideration is working in the ED. I've been more and more interested recently in considering a position in the ED, but never attempted to look prior due to a lack of self-confidence. I'm feeling less worried that I won't be able to handle it, but my concern there is not working weekend-option (as I am now) and losing out of my shift differential (as I'm the only person creating income for our family).

So, there are my problems, or possibly none at all. Should I consider a position in the ICU (which, by the way, offered me a weekend-option position)? Should I try and find a weekend-option position in the ED? Stick around in Med-Surg for more experience?

Ultimately, I know, it is my decision, and one that I'll have to make alone. But I guess I'm sort of curious as to what y'all might have done. Talking these things out sometimes give me perspective, and help me make an informative decision.

Thanks for reading my rant :)

[AnthonyD]

You could see if there are opportunities to shadow in the ED and ICU, it will maybe give you a little more insight into which would be a better fit for you. They are extremely different, almost opposite ends of the spectrum.

I would say honestly, if you're worried about the job being physically demanding then the ED is going to be far more strenuous than the ICU in my opinion. To me, the ED seems both more physically and mentally taxing.

[GatezRN]

As Anthony said, I would suggest shadowing. Or, even consider a per diem position in the unit you are contemplating... if your hospital allows that. I did 9 years on Med-Surg before I moved to ICU. I made the change because I wanted to learn more and I was burnt out working on the unit I was on. One year in ICU burnt me out even more.... I love it, but it is physically and emotionally demanding, especially stepping out of your familiar comfort zone. I then took a position as a school nurse, a risky decision for me, and stayed per diem in the ICU. It's the best of both worlds for me now. The great thing about this profession is that there are always options! Make sure you make the decision to change positions for the right reasons. Changing positions because you miss your old co-workers may not benefit you professionally or personally in the long run. Think carefully! Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.

[Caffeine_IV]

It really depends on what your interests are. ED is demanding, fast paced and requires lots of flexibility. ICU is also demanding depending on the acuity of the patients and the pace can be fast but it is more focused (IMO). In which role do you feel you would thrive. I think shadowing is great if you are able to do it.