New grad on stepdown tele

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Specializes in Intensive Care Unit.

Hello all,

I currently work on a cardiac stepdown tele floor which is also considered a critical care floor (able to get your ccrn). I was an LNA on this floor for two years prior to getting hired two months ago. The floor does do some cardiac gtts, as well as lasix, heparin gtts etc. I did my senior practicum in the CVICU for 5 months. Intensive care is ultimately the place for me, and I am actually surprised how many of my tele patients are quite sick. I think I am getting good experience but I cant help but think i'm missing out on some things since I didnt go straight into the ICU. To top it off when I first graduated in may there werent any open positions in the icu, and now there is. Just wanted to know everyones opinion...thanks in advance!!!

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Specializes in Cardiac/Neuro Stepdown.

Interesting, your circumstances are simmilar to mine, newgrad, I just accepted a position on a cardiac stepdown. Also interested in ICU nursing. I plan on staying on the stepdown for at least a few years, I want to get more knowledge, earn some nursing cred, and give my manager some return on investment since he gave me a chance.

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Most ICU nurses I know have regretted going straight to ICU. It can actually limit some experiences you need before you focus solely on critical care.

It sounds like you are getting much critical care experience where your at.. and will make you a better all around nurse.

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Specializes in LTC and School Health.

I think you are in a great place. Even though I was a nurse for 2.5 years before going to ICU it is still tough. Could not imagine doing this as a brand new grad.

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