6 months in and not a big fan of ICU

fiveofpeep · Sep 30, 2009

what you dont like about the ICU isnt very clear in your post. maybe if you can consider what you dont like, you can work on rectifying it because finding another job may be difficult in this economy. good luck and good job at excelling

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Oct 1, 2009

Yeah I haven't exactly figured it out either. I think ER might be a better fit for me. We all take turns on the code team in my unit for the entire hospital (except for ER) but every time there's a code and I'm caught up, I go run to it because it's a little more interesting on average than what I do.

I know I probably won't get to switch anywhere for a while, my hospital lets you transfer after a year on a floor, so I got 6 more months.

I was just wondering if people have ever been unhappy in a certain part of nursing even though they were good at it. I've noticed most people tend to be happy if they have the hang of things.

Thanks for the response.

shoegalRN, RN · Oct 2, 2009

Yeah I haven't exactly figured it out either. I think ER might be a better fit for me. We all take turns on the code team in my unit for the entire hospital (except for ER) but every time there's a code and I'm caught up, I go run to it because it's a little more interesting on average than what I do.
I know I probably won't get to switch anywhere for a while, my hospital lets you transfer after a year on a floor, so I got 6 more months.
I was just wondering if people have ever been unhappy in a certain part of nursing even though they were good at it. I've noticed most people tend to be happy if they have the hang of things.
Thanks for the response.

Do you think you could pick up extra hours in the ER? Or maybe apply for a PRN position in the ER? I am part of a new grad residency and got hired for the MICU and I just spent the most exciting month of my life in the ER and now I'm worried if I may not like the ICU. However, we will get traumas from the ER so it may be ok. I've already decided I will apply for a PRN position there once I'm off orientation. I fit in so well there. All the staff including the charge nurses told me to go for the PRN position and I wouldnt have any problem getting hired.

So, I'm gonna do both. Maybe you should consider something like that.

oldiebutgoodie, RN · Oct 2, 2009

I hated the ICU. I spent my first year there, and switched to a Med-Surg floor, believe it or not.

It's okay to not like the ICU. Many folks think it is the pinnacle of your career. Don't listen to others. Do what YOU want to do.

Good luck,

Oldiebutgoodie

WindyhillBSN · Oct 2, 2009

That's so true, many do think it's the pinnacle... I'm so sick of ICU nurses treating the rest of us like babysitters...give me a break. :twocents:

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Oct 3, 2009

op: to answer your question, yes you can work a floor, get the hang of the routine, and find yourself bored!!! i started out in medical surgical nursing and though none of my shifts were slow, i was bored to death by the tasks and patient disease population of one floor i worked. at the time i also worked the cardiac unit and noticed that i was never bored. i love cardiac issues and problems!!! if i can have that population along with other issues then i am a happy camper, it does not matter how routine the job gets. on the other hand, working a floor without much cardiac problems bothers me and i will not do it again if i can help it!

if you can float or go prn in the ed you are very very lucky!!! i had to leave my former hospital to land an er position, so take the prn position and run with it! if the staff members like you, it does not matter when your hospital allows transfers i am sure someone in the ed will advocate for you to transfer (this is the who-you-know part of getting a job). gl! :up:

ChiSmile6 · Oct 3, 2009

It's probably hard for you to exactly pinpoint why you aren't fully able to enjoy your job...maybe it would seem better if the nurses were nicer and not as catty, or maybe if they were nicer and more encouraging everything would feel better for you...It can be a number of factors that are kinda blurring your mind but the bottom line is it is a good thing that you are realizing something isn't right and trying to figure out what it is, and now trying to find something that is more your fit. I have noticed that the people I work with really do play a huge part in how I see my job. Luckily, most of them are encouraging and nice, but the ones (especially nurse aids) who have given me attitude or been rude for really no reason, really do affect me, as much as I try to not be a sensitive person.

CynicallyVexed · Oct 4, 2009

is there a level 1 trauma hospital near you? If so APPLY!!!!!! you will fall in love. I was a critical care CNA for four years and I floated between all the ICU's Medicine, Cardiac, Neonatal, Peds, Trauma, Neuro, & Surgical and finally got with Trauma/Neuro CCU the last 3 years I was there because it was so fast paced, things happened unexpected, it's an adrenaline rush to hear the helicopter land and going out there to get the patient and doing CPR and all that such, I can't explain it, the job was simple amazing even though it had it's sad points.

Allot of patients die or become veggies in that area, but there's always that one or two patients a year that survives something crazy that should have killed them instantly and when they walk back in a year later to thank you, you'll remember why you became a nurse and do the job you do.

I plan on going back for my RN so I can get back in critical care and there is nothing like trauma/neuro critical care. I really encourage you to check into it, it maybe just what you are looking for. If not try the ER. ER is constantly changing, and you never know what's going to come through those doors and it could be very easy or very hard and difficult.

Goodluck!!!