New grad specializing too much in an ICU

[zram44]

I just posted this in the Burn ICU forum also but wanted your feedback also.

So I just accepted a position in a burn/trauma unit and start in Feb. Do you think I am specializing too much too soon? The program has all critical care new grads going thru the same education then some extra education on burn patients. If there are no burn/trauma pts, the unit does get overflow ICU pts. It is a large high acuity hospital. Do you all think, I will still be able to function in an MICU/SICU after I gain some experience if I want to float to different units?

The other hospital I am waiting to hear back from is half the size but still Level 1 center. Their unit has similar training but the nurses float between all the ICU units: MICU, SICU, and CVICU. Which do you think would be a better option in the long run?

Thanks

[MommyandRN]

I don't think it's a bad thing. If it is a combo of burn/trauma, and you will get overflow of other types of ICU pts, you will see a lot. It is good to be on one unit for your first job, with people you can rely on, and not floating around floor to floor. Plus if it is known as a higher acuity hospital, that would be great experience. Don't worry about seeing CVCU pts etc if that isn't what you want to do right now.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I have worked in SICU/trauma as well as extensive floating in all the other units including Burns.

Burns has a lot in common with other ICU's. You will gain skills in cardiac monitoring, vent management, medications(especially pain meds). I believe burns to be the hardest working ICU. If you get skilled at burns, you will do fine elsewhere.

Many nurses in my unit are former burn nurses and are doing fine.

I also like large high acuity hospitals; I think they are more exciting.