Not happy with my neuro unit...

Published

Specializes in Author/Business Coach.

Ahhh, where do I start? I've worked Neuro Icu for nearly 2 yrs. The unit I'm on now is too specialized for me. Our patients are rarely vented. You may get a pressor once every few weeks. I think I'm not challenged enough. I had a one-on-one pt. today who was in 2nd degree type 2 block, pressors, frequent lab draws, MRI, pacemaker placement...you get the picture. I was completely content with this. I love the technical aspect of a very busy patient. I had to give my pt up at 11 am to get 2 admissions who kept me busy fetching ice and blankets! (This is how a majority of our pts are). I miss the neuro unit I was in back home....we had multiple vented pts, chest tubes, Evd's, MVA's, drug OD's, pressors. Here is highly specialized with strokes, and cerebral angios mainly and EVD's every so often. I feel unchallenged most of my time at work and want transfer sooo bad. I have 3 mths until I can. I've gotten to the point to where I dread going into work :crying2:. Do you think I'm getting burned out or just bored?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

Sounds like you are bored, with a little burn out. Maybe try the SICU/Trauma ICU.

Our neuro ICU is specialized but we have a seperate stroke unit. More than not we have vents, drains, bolts, drips, etc.

Is it possible for you to transfer to a different ICU within the same hospital/system?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/PACU.

I got bored after working in the same neuro unit for 3 years. I always felt lucky when I got a really sick pt, but most of the time they were just post op cranis,etc.. boring. I'm very happy to have moved on. I no longer hate nursing, and am no longer bored and cranky at work. It's nice to be challenged & learn new things.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, PCU.

Hi there! Since you have experience on a neuro unit, could you advise me the type of neuro unit is good to start working on. I am a new nurse with 3 months experience on a telemetry Med/Surg floor. I still need preceptoring obviously. Tomorrow I have an interview on a neuro floor but I really don't know what to look for or ask the Director. After your post, I feel very, very, very wet behind the ears (and I am!) I hope you receive this post before tomorrow.

Thanks!:yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Author/Business Coach.

Hey Gonightingale! Are you applying on a Neuro ICU unit or the floor, cause they are completly different. I've did both and the floor was way more stressful for me. I would start out asking about the patient population (types of pts admitted to unit/floor) and your expected pt. load. In the ICU it's generally 1-2 depending on the acuity. On the floor you could get up to 6-7 on nights. I would also ask the NM what is expected of the nurses on the unit...Theres many more questions you could ask but this is all I have time for now... once again Good luck!

Good luck on your interview tomorrow!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, PCU.

Thanks NurseCutie! Well I'm applying for the floor. But even if it's more stressful, I'm gonna go for it because the perks balance it out (at least I think for now..I'll tell you after the interview, ha,ha!). From the services this hospital provides (according to their website) they have a stroke center and Spine Center. From what I read, it appears that they handle primarily stroke patients- both from TIA or hemorrhagic. So if you have time for any new questions before 1200 pm tomorrow send them on doen!

Best regards and thanks a gazillion!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion