MBunny

I started in CVICU, took my first open heart at 6 months and have never regretted my decision to begin in critical care. I learned in one year what it took my nursing school peers to learn in 3 years or maybe still haven't had the opportunity to learn. I'm a firm believer that once you have critical care skills, you can work anywhere. I also think you cannot assume that having one or two patients in critical care is easy, there is so much more critical thinking that is required. You have to know what to do at a moments notice, you have to use your judgement constantly to keep the patient safe. You generally do not have any other help like a CNA or techs, ICUs are usually always total care (bathing, meds, turning, cleaning after stooling, vitals, etc). In the years I have been a critical care nurse, I really don't remember sitting down too much, even with my 1:1 hearts, IABPs, CRRT, etc. If you are committed to learn, committed to a lifetime of constant learning and education, then go to critical care, if not, then it may not be the best fit.

You said "would really like to get out of nursing period, but that isn't going to happen soon,so I am stuck". Why would you then consider working in a unit where, at least in my experience, the nurses who do work there are committed to their patients, and they are not afraid of challenges. Just because you may have one or two patients does not mean its easy, it takes experience, commitment, and a strong nurse to be able to apply critical thinking in an ICU. In my opinion, its not just a place to pass the time until you find your calling. The learning curve of switching from a step down unit to an ICU will take some time as well. If it were me in your position, I would not inflict my dissatisfaction with the nursing profession on critically ill patients who are counting on you for quality care.

I took the CCRN in December and found the Laura Gasparis Vonfrolo DVDs to be the best help. If you can attend an actual seminar, it would probably be awesome. I know there is one coming up soon in Las Vegas, if I remember correctly. You may want to check it out, plus, you get CME's.

I am also studying for the CCRN, and will be taking it hopefully by June 2010. Gasparis is the most helpful so far for me, very in depth, and with rationale, which I benefit from the most. Good luck, keep in touch!