Pedi ED vs. PICU

[RNforGod]

I'm a new grad, precepted in the Pediatric ICU and LOVED it, but have recently given thought to applying for a new grad position in the Pedi ED. What would you say are the biggest differences and deciding factors between PICU nursing and ED nursing?

[ac3070]

Hm, I guess the major differences comes in patient population (really sick vs the spectrum of sick and not sick), continuity of care (do you like having the same patient for a whole shift or do you like to do your thing and send them away?), and your feelings on taking care of critically ill kids (almost) all the time or only occasionally.

I worked picu and it was my best job ever. Unfortunately moved away to a small rural area serviced by a teeny hospital and will now be working in the ER with patients of all ages.

Good luck deciding!

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

PICU....they are critically sick and can be there for long periods of time.

ED....most are not that sick and discharge home after some Tylenol and a good nasal suction.

If they are really sick, you ship them to the PICU as fast as you can.

I used to work the floors and got floated to PICU a lot before coming to the ED, I love the ED, because you get both, the complex critically ill kids and then the ones where do some education give em a sticker and they leave fixed and happy