prenursing359

edit: I am not allowed to transfer units within the hospital system until I've been on a unit for 2 years*

I know there are more important things going on in the world right now...* cough Corona.. but I also know that this too shall pass and I still look forward to the future. With that being said... I recently moved here for a job in the CCU as a new grad. After 8 weeks of orientation, the management and I decided it was best for me to start my career in the cardiac step down unit. While I loved the ICU, I was not ready to work in that environment as a new grad, not to mention it was very much a "sink or swim" mentaIity on the unit. Orientation was a total of 10 weeks and it was difficult learning how to be a nurse and a cardiology ICU nurse at the same time. I have been working in the step-down since. While I enjoy the step-down, I don't feel that I am learning as much as I did in the ICU. I do enjoy talking to patients, and don't get me wrong I still learn something new every day. However, I miss the ICU environment. I am not allowed to transfer within my hospital system unit I've been on a unit for 2 years (I was an exception at 8 weeks because it was before my 90 days of hire). My end goal is to be a CRNA after getting a solid foundation in nursing. My question is, do I work another year in the step-down and apply for another ICU position in order to stay within my hospital system or should I completely move hospitals and apply elsewhere so that I can start working in an ICU sooner? Curious to hear your thoughts. While I enjoy the hospital I work at, I don't know if it's worth waiting another year to apply for an ICU position. And on the other side, am I willing to potentially move again to further my career sooner. I am also 25 years old (nursing is a second degree) and I think this definitely puts more pressure on my situation. I don't want to be still in school when I am thirty (LOL). Thanks in advance for the input!

I am a new grad and started out my nursing career in a very intense, high acuity cardiac ICU. I attended a 2 year nursing program that was a master's entry to nursing practice program, so I came out of nursing school with an MSN. Orientation for my hospital is 12 weeks long and the expectations were very high. At the end of week 9, the management and I decided that maybe it would be best for me to start my career on the cardiac step-down unit so I am in the process of transitioning there. It was very difficult learning how to be a nurse and how to be a good cardiac ICU nurse at the same time. They feel that the step-down will be a better start for me. The funny thing is I moved here from out of state due to this ICU position. However, in just those 9 weeks, I realized that I enjoy stability in my work environment and I get overwhelmed by all the curveballs thrown my way during a typical work day in this busy ICU. My initial plan was to work in the ICU and become a great ICU nurse first and then apply to CRNA schools. However, now I'm thinking that maybe ICU in general or CRNA is not the best career choice for me. I love learning about critical care but the uncertainty and lack of stability scares me. For example, I get very nervous when my patient suddenly goes into A.fib or they start to desat and I almost feel like I don't know what to do. I am considering maybe going a different route instead after getting some experience on the floor like perhaps management or health administration? Maybe even nurse research? I know little about these career opportunities and was wondering if anyone could provide me with some advice and/or insight into these options? Thanks!

Hey guys! Just wanted to give you all a little hope if you are freaking out like I was, but I actually just found out I got accepted into the Fall for the LP campus! I emailed Depaul today and they emailed back saying that I could receive my decision over the phone if I called. So happy! There's still hope!

no not sure what to think haha. I guess they have to let us know tomorrow though!

Hi everyone! Has anyone heard anything regarding a decision today or last week? I received an email at the end of March saying that decisions would be sent by April 13, but just wondering if anyone has heard anything since. My application wasn't fully complete, due to a letter of rec I was waiting on, until Jan 31. I'm just wondering if that is affecting the decision making.