Any new grads regret starting in the ICU?

[CrazyPremed]

Hello folks,

I'm a new LPN working on a tele floor while I finish the RN portion of my program. I love my orientation, had a great deal of medical experience before I started, and am doing well in nursing school. But the truth is, I can't believe how big the transition from student to professional nurse is. Most of my friends - who haven't worked as nurses yet - want to start in the ICU or ER. They would rather have two patients, or 'treat and street.' Although I understand this, I would not want to start with all of that responsibility. Working as a new nurse only solidified that desire.

Anyway, are there any new grads who wish they didn't start in the ICU/ER? Share your stories!

PS - this is not meant to be a thread to bash all of those (probably the majority) who had great experiences as a new grad in these areas!

CrazyPremed

[SoundofMusic]

Well, those are the things we new grads don't know about, especially folks like me with no prior nursing experience at all. I'm still trying to get meds down, IV's, wound care, charting, etc. It's nuts.

It's a hard uphillclimb, believe me. I'm totally envious of the people who at least were techs, or nurses on med surg floors for 5 years before they came to ICU. Even they are freaked out by it a little ...imagine us new grads.

I'm taking it day by day.

[Mahage, LPN]

I have seriously thought about asking to go to IMCU where I was also offered a job, but my former boss who knows me and is also a manager tells me that three weeks is too soon to ask to transfer out. She thinks I should give it at least 6 weeks and see if I don't feel better about it, I respect her opinionn so I am going to tough it out a while longer and see how I feel.

Mahage