Need expertise: where to focus practice?

[Nurse Man-ingitis]

i posted this in the nicuand picu forums, but want to get the expertise of those of you who specialize in cardiology.

i am trying to determine where i might focus my career after my bsn. i am interested in cardiology, but recently i have thought about nicu/picu. i need some assistance in order to determine if i am on the right track.

first, would general cardiovascular nursing provide more advancement opportunites than pediatric and neonatal critical care with specialty in cardiovascular?

as an np, i want to be able to work in a clinic setting in order to do patient assessment and also follow them in the hospital setting for pre/post surgical and medical procedures. as critical care / cardiology nurses, do any of you work in either / or both nicu/picu? thanks in advance for any assistance.

[angelique777]

I work in cardiology but not presenting myself as an advisor. I do not know about peds or neonatal. In regards to adult cardiology the greatest amount of learning (in my opinion some one else may think differently) i in CSI (cardio surgical intensive care) The level of knowledge base required and level of acuity of care is highest in this area. I work in ICCU and Heart progressive units which are both step down this area is not bad to start off in and then transfer to CSI.

That would be my recommedation in regards to adult cardiology.

Wish you the best.

Angela

[Nurse Man-ingitis]

thanks for the information angela. i will look into this area. it sounds interesting.