Ortho nurse trying to transition to icu, suggestions?

[nothingyet]

Hello fellow nurses! I am in need of some advice. I graduated last year and have been working on a fast paced, quickly growing Ortho unit. It was my first job after graduating RN school. I am currently enrolled in a RN-BSN accelerated program. Although I love my job, unit and hospital, I would love to try and get on board on an SICU or ICU unit to advance my skills and career. Has anyone ever made this transition, and what steps would I need to take to be considered for an ICU position. Please help! Thank you!

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

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[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

You need your manager's support so speak to him or her first. When you have your yearly evaluation mention that your long term goal is a career in SICU or MICU. Ask about opportunities to shadow.

Get to know the staff in those units as they do have input on this decision.

Take the telemetry course and ACLS.

Join your local chapter of AACN and attend the educational offerings.

Update your resume to include all of the above.

I recommend that you read "Expert Rapid Response" which is light reading and a nuts and bolts approach to a lot of what you will see in the ICUs.