I am a New Graduate nurse, and I was not able to find a job in an ICU.
I plan to eventually go into a CRNA program, so I was hoping to work in ICU.
Anyway, my options now are either NICU or Med-Surg. I think I'd be happier working in NICU, but I want to choose the option that will open up more doors for me in the future. Would NICU or Med-Surg be better for me down the road when I enter adult ICU and eventually CRNA school? What do you think?
Like I said, I've been offered several adult ICU positions because of my NICU experience so it can definitely be a stepping stone to adult ICU. I would never actually work adult ICU, but every time I spoke with a hospital recruiter about NICU positions they would ask me to interview for adult ICU as well. I don't think NICU is limiting if you work at a large enough unit and get broad experience. We see the same drips (just in smaller doses:)), learn the same critical care skills (vents, lines, etc) and also look after critically ill patients (you'll get experience in code situations, looking after post op patients, etc).
That is so good to know. I was worried that working with babies and adults would be completely different that it would be hard to cross-train.
Seems like NICU rather than Med Surg is what everyone is saying would be better experience for adult ICU and CRNA. Would it matter though if the unit is a Step-Down to ICU? Does Step-Down = Med-Surg ?
Seems like NICU rather than Med Surg is what everyone is saying would be better experience for adult ICU and CRNA. Would it matter though if the unit is a Step-Down to ICU? Does Step-Down = Med-Surg ?
Step down is not the same as ICU. I could see working step down for a bit if they agree to train you in ICU in a few months. The point is get to ICU as quickly as possible. NICU would probably be a better choice than SD though.
AliceMay
12 Posts
That is so good to know. I was worried that working with babies and adults would be completely different that it would be hard to cross-train.