Need to Make Decision...HELP

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Hi Everyone:

I've been an RN for the past seven years. My background is mostly med/surg (incl. med monitoring) and ortho. I took a Resource Nurse position last Fall, which is basically a charge position with some manager-type duties thrown in. Anyway, there is a Magnet facility near me that I've always been curious about. They have an excellent reputation for cardiology, and it was made known to me that they were willing to train an experienced RN for their CICU.

On the one hand, I enjoy being a Resource Nurse, and the charge experience is good for my resume. Downside is that I am required to come in on my off days several times a month for meetings, training, etc, and the commute is approx 1-1.5 hrs each way. On the other hand, this CICU position would be a great opportunity to finally get myself into critical care, the commute is only about 30 min each way, and the staff I met during my interview were exceptionally professional and sharp.

I'm leaning toward the CICU position, but I'm wondering if any of you have been in a similar situation where you started in critical care down the road in your nursing career. What was the transition like? Or maybe some of you who are in a CCU environment can tell me what you've observed when experienced nurses made the transition onto your unit?

I told HR I'd give them a yes or no by Wed of this week, so any feedback you guys and gals might have would really be great.

Also, if anyone knows of some helpful online resources (tutorials, simulations, etc) pertaining to the CCU or critical care in general, I'd love to hear about them. Thanks!!!

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

http://pacep.org/

Try pacep at the above link- it's the best online resource out there.

FWIW, I was a nurse for over 10 years before I made the move to critical care. And I was an ACM (same thing as resource nurse) as well. I never regretted the move.

You're in a good position, because you already know a lot about nursing care and ACLS. There's just some stuff you'll have to forget, and exchange for new information. Just know that you will only have 2 patients, but you'll still be busy. The good side of that is that you'll actually get to spend a lot more time with your patients. The transition won't be as hard for you as you think. Good luck to you!

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Thank you so much, both for the link and the feedback. Much appreciated :)

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Specializes in CTICU.

Sounds like a no-brainer to me, but then I'm biased, because I think critical care is awesome! Also, I'm genetically incapable of doing all that manager-type stuff. Heh.

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Sounds like a no-brainer to me, but then I'm biased, because I think critical care is awesome! Also, I'm genetically incapable of doing all that manager-type stuff. Heh.

lol, I've only been at it for a short while, but I'm not all that keen on the manager-type stuff either. I'm all about the patients :)

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Specializes in CCRN-CMC-CSC: CTICU, MICU, SICU, TRAUMA.

I'm CTICU and I hope you took the critical care job!

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Specializes in cardiology/ CT surgery/ ICU.

You're asking a biased crowd, but I must say for me moving into critical care was the BEST decision I have made in my 10 yr. career. Like anything new, the beginning is a little scary but exciting. You'll feel so energized to be learning all the time! It made me like nursing again, because after 5 yrs. on "the floors" I wanted to toss myself out the window. And I was high up! Good luck with whatever you decide.

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