OR nurse to ICU?

[CTRN'11]

Hi everyone!

I have worked in Labor and Delivery and the Operating Room. I have started feeling like I could be doing more and that I'm wasting my skills and knowledge in the OR. Don't get me wrong, I love the OR and the environment it's a lot of fun but I don't feel like I am being challenged anymore and I've only been in the OR for 2 years.

I began thinking that maybe I would try the ICU! I know it would be tough and a huge learning curve especially since it's been a really long time since I have been exposed to meds and stuff. I was wondering if anyone knew of an OR nurse that came to the ICU. And also what kind of orientation process is given to nurses without ICU experience?

I would eventually love to go back to school to be a CRNA since I do love the OR so much. Thanks for any insight or advice!

[ChipNurse]

I work with someone who came from the OR to the ICU.. she is a great ICU nurse. If they are a good unit/hosopital system then you will get more than adequate orientation. Remember, many people start in the ICU as their first ever job, so you will have a little bit of a leg up in terms of the charting, communicating with docs, etc. Meds will come. Just study while in orientation and you will be fine. I love the ICU, it's never a dull moment.

[Amagoo]

I just made the switch from OR to ICU. I am still in orienataion but its been a great decision so far. I was a tech for ten years then graduated nursing school and was in the OR for two years. I think if you are wanting to try something new, then you will do great. You already have background knowledge and will understand the hospital process better than someone who is starting out fresh. Its going to be a lot of work and you are going to need to study and get your ACLS, and work hard. BUT JUST DO IT.

Tell who ever you are interviewing with that you look up and are amazed with the knowledge of the ICU nurses and that you have thought about this decision for a long time and its not something you are just jumping into. Talk to ppl on that unit and see what they say about the unit. Keep us posted on your progress.

[CTRN'11]

Amagoo,

Thats great to hear that you only worked in the OR prior to the ICU! What was your interview like? And also why did you decide to make the switch? I will definitely keep you posted! Interview on Monday!