PICU to adult ICU as a traveler

[colin3wilson, BSN]

I'm trying to find a travel assignment in a specific area and am having trouble finding anything in my specialty (PICU, NICU and peds cardiac ICU). Should I feel safe trying for some less acute adult ICUs or is that too far out of practice?

[ptier_MNMurse, BSN, RN]

I think you would be ok! I transitioned from PICU/peds CVICU to adult SICU and then adult CVICU. Honestly, while they have different problems, PEDS seems more particular to me still. I found that having that specific knowledge base in the PEDS world was helpful for me in being particular for my adult patients. PEDS are more sensitive/have less reserve, but adults generally have a higher number of concurrent disease states. You will probably have to make some adjustments, but you should be fine (in my opinion).

[MunoRN, RN]

I would check with your travel nursing agency to see what they require, typically they require a year or more in same unit you'll be picking up a contract for. Keep in mind all you'll get when starting your assignment is a one-shift orientation (or less). So while it's completely possible to make the transition from PICUs to ICUs in general, a travel assignment assumes you have extensive experience in that particular area.