PICU vs ICU

Kiwidanni · Jul 31, 2011

I would go with PICU. As well as the money issue, it's not going to look good on your resume that you broke a contract. It's only for 15 months ... will save you $8800, give you valuable experience and look better on your c.v.

creative scholar · Aug 1, 2011

If you really KNOW that ICU will be better, than i would go with that. Trust your gut. Sometimes when we know exactly what we want to do, we rationalize things, especially if the other decision sounds good on paper, but trust your gut and things have a way of working themselves out. Also, sometimes we think the grass is greener on the other side so be sure you know EVERY detail of the postion, in terms of work flow, interelations of the staff, work enviornment, are the other nurses supportive of one another, all the details that aren't on paper that could potentially be a make it or break it? Sometimes you cant tell all that in an interview...I would shadow one of the nurses on the ICU to get better feeling/vibe of the place if you have time.

When i went to interview at the hospital i am at currently, i went to 3 interviews on 3 diffrent units, all stated that they liked me and i got the positions. All would be great learning experiences, I narrowed it down to two and shadowed both units. Then i thought about it, prayed about it, got different peoples advice (which were many) then I did what I knew WITHOUT A DOUBT would make me happy...I made a final decision and chose my unit. Then I got scared about the whatifs..... Some would say it wasnt the most rational, I should have chosen another unit for a more well rounded expereince (i choose a specialty)....but I LOVE it and thats what matters isnt it? My RN career has taken on a whole new direction, and now i shun the thought of even considering those other units. oh yeah, did i tell u I love it? I dont go to work depressed, I dont leave depressed, when things are slow and everyone is sitting at the desk chatting, I pray for complex cases to walk in the door so that I will be productive and challenged, (the nurses dont like my prayers bc they usually work lol), I dont watch the clock etc, etc .... so your emotional state of mind while at a job is very important. My job is part of my life, If i hated my job, I would in turn hate part of my life.

Make sure your sacrifice is worth it, know all the details, even the ones that AREN'T on paper. If you do decide ICU you can always work extra time. if you decide PICU, maybe you can transfer within your hospital. I know it seems like a big decision now, but in the bigger scheme of things you cant really make a mistake btwn these two opportuinites bc (on paper) both of them will render you great experience, making you more valuable as an RN, thereby opening up other opportunites for you in the future. so the key is to have an equilibrium of happiness btwn your work expereinces (on paper) whats on your resume and your psychological/emotiona/ expereinces (whats not on paper).

I know youll make the right decision, keep your nursing community updated.

Toodles...

27400 · Aug 1, 2011

If I had 8800 bucks, I sure wouldn't want to give it back to some place where I'd been miserable :)

Yes, I totally agree.

What's 1.5 years? At least you can say you've done NICU, PICU and ICU after everything is done. I don't want to seem judgemental and I don't know your family's financial situation but I think it's not fair to ask one's family to "invest" in something to appease your current desires. What if at the end you find that ICU isn't crack up to be? You'll just feel bad that you made your family spend that money for a job you're not happy with. As you said, everyone has to make sacrifices. $8800 is a lot of money, you can buy a used car or even start a down-payment-for-a-house fund.

Anyway, this is your life and your own choices. Only you can know what you need/want to do. We all make equally bad and good choices--but what's important is that we learn from them.

P.S. If you do decide ICU you can always work extra time.

That's extra time can be spent with family instead of paying back family. Maybe it's just me but I hate owing people money. lol

linearthinker, DNP, RN · Aug 1, 2011

I despise pediatric patients, but there is no freaking way I'd pay $8800 to get out of the contract. Suck it up cupcake, finish your contract in the PICU while you take your classes, etc. ICU isn't going anywhere, trust me.

cag01 · Aug 1, 2011

I tried transferring to the ICU at the current hospital where I am at and they want me to wait a year to transer units. Unfortunately that is not an option. I see your guys point on paying all that money to the hospital especially since that money is coming from family. I would be taking the risks of not even enjoying the unit or just things can turn out bad for me. On the other hand I am completely optimistic and believe ICU is going to be good for me and definitely make me feel passionate about my job. I feel that I will have a good turn out in that unit. I have tonight to sleep on it, which is exactly what I will do and hopefully make the best decision for myself and family. Thanks guys you were all very helpful!!:)

cag01 · Aug 1, 2011

If you really KNOW that ICU will be better, than i would go with that. Trust your gut. Sometimes when we know exactly what we want to do, we rationalize things, especially if the other decision sounds good on paper, but trust your gut and things have a way of working themselves out. Also, sometimes we think the grass is greener on the other side so be sure you know EVERY detail of the postion, in terms of work flow, interelations of the staff, work enviornment, are the other nurses supportive of one another, all the details that aren't on paper that could potentially be a make it or break it? Sometimes you cant tell all that in an interview...I would shadow one of the nurses on the ICU to get better feeling/vibe of the place if you have time.
When i went to interview at the hospital i am at currently, i went to 3 interviews on 3 diffrent units, all stated that they liked me and i got the positions. All would be great learning experiences, I narrowed it down to two and shadowed both units. Then i thought about it, prayed about it, got different peoples advice (which were many) then I did what I knew WITHOUT A DOUBT would make me happy...I made a final decision and chose my unit. Then I got scared about the whatifs..... Some would say it wasnt the most rational, I should have chosen another unit for a more well rounded expereince (i choose a specialty)....but I LOVE it and thats what matters isnt it? My RN career has taken on a whole new direction, and now i shun the thought of even considering those other units. oh yeah, did i tell u I love it? I dont go to work depressed, I dont leave depressed, when things are slow and everyone is sitting at the desk chatting, I pray for complex cases to walk in the door so that I will be productive and challenged, (the nurses dont like my prayers bc they usually work lol), I dont watch the clock etc, etc .... so your emotional state of mind while at a job is very important. My job is part of my life, If i hated my job, I would in turn hate part of my life.
Make sure your sacrifice is worth it, know all the details, even the ones that AREN'T on paper. If you do decide ICU you can always work extra time. if you decide PICU, maybe you can transfer within your hospital. I know it seems like a big decision now, but in the bigger scheme of things you cant really make a mistake btwn these two opportuinites bc (on paper) both of them will render you great experience, making you more valuable as an RN, thereby opening up other opportunites for you in the future. so the key is to have an equilibrium of happiness btwn your work expereinces (on paper) whats on your resume and your psychological/emotiona/ expereinces (whats not on paper).
I know youll make the right decision, keep your nursing community updated.
Toodles...

I completely agree with you! Thats how I feel, I want to love where I am at and look forward to learning and getting new experience. I am just not too sure if 8800 is worth my desire to move jobs. I believe it will, I am more scared in disappointing my family if it doesnt turn out as planned. I am glad you can relate to my situation at the moment, your opinion defintely helped!:)

applewhitern, BSN, RN · Aug 1, 2011

I loved PICU more than any other job! Did 6 years of it, then had to move to another area of the state. I realize you want to be learning new things, but a slower paced job would allow you time to study (you won't be as tired when at home.) You will probably find the diagnoses are more varied than CP/seizures. Plus you need to keep your money to pursue your education!!

cag01 · Aug 1, 2011

Really!? Well thats good to hear! I hadnt heard from a PICU nurse. I hope so, the information I have about this PICU is from a friend that currently works there, but I will have to probably find out on my own. Thanks for the advice!:)

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Aug 1, 2011

I tried transferring to the ICU at the current hospital where I am at and they want me to wait a year to transer units.

So really, you're looking at 6 more months in NICU before moving to your ideal unit as not being worth the $8,800? Even more reason not to break the contract. If you had no options other than being miserable in the NICU for another 18 months or transferring I could see how it might be worth the money but you have two viable options (wait another 6 months for same-hospital ICU or transfer to PICU now) that won't require your mom and boyfriend paying for you to break your contract. $8,800 is a lot of money, and it's money you don't have.

cag01 · Aug 1, 2011

So really, you're looking at 6 more months in NICU before moving to your ideal unit as not being worth the $8,800? Even more reason not to break the contract. If you had no options other than being miserable in the NICU for another 18 months or transferring I could see how it might be worth the money but you have two viable options (wait another 6 months for same-hospital ICU or transfer to PICU now) that won't require your mom and boyfriend paying for you to break your contract. $8,800 is a lot of money, and it's money you don't have.

The year she wants me to wait is not including the time I have already been at this hospital its a year from now. So it would be until August 2012. But other than the time I have to wait you are right.

Pink~Lady · Aug 1, 2011

It really sounds like you've got your heart set on the ICU position. If you're able to pay the hospital back without putting yourself in any kind of financial hardship, I would definetly do what will make you happy. 17 months is a long time to be wishing that you were doing something else.
I was not a fan of the PICU and absolutely dreaded going to work for way too long. If you're going to be spending 36+ hours a week somewhere, do what makes you happy. :)

I wholeheartedly agree with the above. Life is short. If you can avoid making yourself miserable, then take this opportunity. You're at an advantage because you already have the money at your disposal. Yes it's crappy that you'll have to pay back the hospital, but if your heart wouldn't be in the PICU job then you know deep down it's not for you. Just my :twocents: anyway...

PS this is my first post, hello everyone :cool:

cag01 · Aug 1, 2011

I wholeheartedly agree with the above. Life is short. If you can avoid making yourself miserable, then take this opportunity. You're at an advantage because you already have the money at your disposal. Yes it's crappy that you'll have to pay back the hospital, but if your heart wouldn't be in the PICU job then you know deep down it's not for you. Just my anyway...
PS this is my first post, hello everyone

I thought about this also, I figuared my family already went out of their way to help and are more than willing to then why not? I always thought in order to make money you need to invest money, this would be like an investment for a better job oppurtunity that can also help my future. I know its not the best way to invest my money, it can definitely go elsewhere and build interest instead of being given to a hospital. But everything happens for a reason this is a lesson learned, and these job oppurtunities came up for a reason. Which is best for me? I dont know yet but I dont have much time left to decide. Hahah cool.. this thread was my first posting as well! Welcome:)