Peds CVICU vs Peds ICU Stepdown

[procrastinator911, BSN, RN]

Hey Guys,

Well my prayers have been answered. I finally had the opportunity to interview for 2 pediatric positions at 2 really good Children's Hospitals. One is for the CTICU at, which is an hour away from me. The other position is for the ICU Step Down, about 40 mins from me. I was offered the position for BOTH hospitals. The are both teaching hospitals.

My nursing background is only in the Operating Room (1 yr, 5 months), so this wonderful opportunity is extremely scary and exciting. I am torn between the 2. The one hospital for the CTICU has a transition nurse residency program for nurses wanting to transition into peds. The program is new,but it will mirror their extremely popular top notch new grad program, just a shorter time ranging from 12-14 weeks. I am not sure how long of an orientation i will have for the step-down ICU. I want to get the best training since I will kind of be starting from scratch.

Let me be clear I have always been passionate about working in peds but the ICU never crossed my mine, but lately I have been drawn to the CTICU. So naturally I'm worried that I won't be able to handle it.

I've talked to other nurses who know me just to get their perspective. I even contacted my old pediatric instructor for guidance and support.

I would love to get everyone's perspective.

Thank you!!!

[guest769224]

I would choose peds CVICU. It sounds so interesting and like a huge learning opportunity. To my understanding, most patients in such a unit are infants.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

A) Congrats!

B) CVICU

C) Stepdown

[jamisaurus]

I don't have any advice to offer from a pediatric standpoint, but I did start in an adult ICU and it was terrifying. I now enjoy going to work every day. It will be a huge learning curve, but if you're drawn to it, follow your heart. Remember, every great thing starts out scary! You can do it!