sleddogrn

That is an excellent idea. We are constantly transporting patients from ICU to the CT scanner, to OR, to MRI, from OR to ICU, from PACU to ICU, Cath lab to ICU, etc., etc.. Every time we transport we always need an extra person to handle the IV pole if available. If no one can come along, we have to wrangle the bed and IV pole down the halls and in the elevators. If the device can help to attach the IV pole to a bed and fit in a bed transport elevator, it should sell. Good luck with your idea...I sure could use it tomorrow!!!

Thanks for the replies! Looks like it will be a positive experience where I can use my existing skills. I'm beginning to think the two specialties are very compatible. I'm used to fast-paced since we get a certain number of codes and crashing open hearts. I hope to hone that 'edge' and get better at my IV starts. For To Libmi, I'm a little tired of fiddling with the ICU technology right now (kind of like working on cars all the time), but you will definitely learn a lot from IABP's, Swans, CVVH, Vads, etc. You end up learning a bunch of pathophysiology and a LOT of cardiac stuff if you are in an icu with cardiac patients. You WILL do better at ICU holds. We have an ER nurse who moved to Critical Care Float and after her internship she did awesome. You'll do well switching the other way. Glad I got the reply about the move 'downward', I hate it when nurses from one specialty put another one down, but they're my friends and I tend to listen to them (sometimes, not this time). And they don't want me to move, of course. Thanks again everyone!

I'm considering moving to the ED after 2.5 years in a Cardiac ICU that handles Cardiac, Medical, and occasionally Surgical ICU patients. Can anyone give me the pros and cons for such a move? I have dealt with the ETOH and IVDA's, Convicts, and Psych cases a lot already, but no pediatrics. Although many of my ICU colleagues consider such a move a step 'down', I really consider it to be a lateral move that would offer me more learning experiences. Is there anyone out there that has done both that can give me her/his perspective on the differences? Thanks a bunch!!

I understood the original post as asking what area of nursing is "less stress", not what is "easy". If you assume she wants an "easy" job it is kind of a slap in the face suggesting that she is lazy. I don't think she is lazy. I think she wants to find an area of nursing in which she can thrive and function productively, and enjoy her job the majority of the time. Some oncology nurses can do that, some ICU nurses can do that, and some OB nurses can do that. You must first identify the patient population you want to work with, then find a job in that area. We all know that whatever area we end up in, there will be stress. We just need to find an area that has less of the kind of stress that is hardest for us individually. For me, it's the 'crazies' that stress me out, but for one of my friends, she loves behavioral health. She can't stand working with babies, she freaks whenever they take a downturn. There's no easy answer, since nursing is a responsibility-filled job wherever you work. The least stressed out nurses I've seen are in occupational health. But many of them complain that they don't feel like they're doing real nursing. They are just managing programs and teaching. I'm in the CICU, and I'm stressed. But I like my patient population, so it's OK. If I can't handle it, I'll go to another area of nursing for a change, but there will still be a different type of stress. As long as I feel I'm making a difference, I'll keep on nursing. Good Luck, and follow your heart!