emac877

Thanks, I could use some encouragement. I have a PCCN but have been hesitant to take the CCRN because I am only routinely scoring about 60% using the AACN pocket prep practice question app for Android. I bought the AACN Burn's textbook but it's too much information and my learning style is more kinetic/auditory than reading. Scoring so low is very deflating. I may try the Gasparis videos instead.

Thank you. I appreciate the advice!

I am a third year nurse having spent the last two years in a step-down intermediate care unit (IMCU). I realize that term is facility dependent. Where I work IMCU is considered critical care and we do manage stable vents, art lines, BiPap and some titratable drips (heparin, insulin, cardizem, precidex etc.). We don't do vasopressors unless they are set rate. It's a very heavy unit physically and feels a lot like a LTAC or SNIFF some days.Our polysubstance abuse and ETOH withdrawal patient population is generally a high percentage of the unit on any given day. Our ratio is 3:1 and while we do have a CNA they are extremely busy and much of the time full patient care is given by the nurse. Thus we've developed a strong team-nursing mode of survival for our safety as well as our patients. I've learned a lot here and absolutely love my coworkers to death. I am considering a move to a combined MICU/SICU as I am beginning to feel really burned out where I'm at and I'm ready to learn more advanced skills. I guess what I'm looking for is two-fold. I am seeking advice from those who have made this transition and also wondering if ultimately having ICU experience is better for my career experience since an IMCU is so variable between facilities? Any constructive thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.