powertonurses

AACN also has the PCCN certification (Progressive Care Certified Nurse) - it is the one I would recommend for anyone in a primarily cardiac step down unit. www.aacn.org

21 years ago I entered the CCU as a new grad - I did not spend time in Med/Surg - I have never worked anywhere but ICU until now - I think I turned out OK- I have been charge, asst manager, unit based educator, I have my BSN, PCCN, CCRN. If you want ICU - stick with it. There are hospitals that do it right!!!!. At my institution, we have a 3 month new graduate internship followed by an additional 9 months of a Nurse Residency Program where we give additional support and training throughout the transition period. The main problem with new grads in the ICU is lack of support at the administrative level. It is very difficult and frustrating to precept a new grad while carrying a full patient load. When I entered critical care, the average "age" of the nurses was 8-10 years of experience - now it is less than 5. So what we have is babies teaching babies. At less than five years of nursing you are just barely reaching the competent stage much less the expert stage. Without proper training in mentoring, teaching adult learners, and the logistics of orientation - failure is prevelant. I urge you to ask questions, take notes, and look up anything you don't know every night. Show your desire to learn and someone will teach you. If they don't - email me - we will be glad to teach you here.