Regret going to the ICU

Nurses General Nursing

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I started in a busy trauma ICU back in May. Within my first few days I worried that it wasn't for me. I talked myself into sticking with it and mostly enjoyed the rest of my orientation. However, I am now 5-ish weeks off orientation and I don't think it's where I want to be. It's not just that I feel unsure about things and what I do. I know that the nervousness is just being new and confidence will come in time. I don't know, it just doesn't feel *right*. I started in L&D Right out of school but switched to cardiac after about a year because I was having fear about what I was missing out on learning. I never totally loved cardiac but I never hated it or dreaded going in. After a little over a year there, I transferred to ICU. I now dread going to work. Honestly, I wish I stayed in OB.

I brought my feelings up to one of my assistant managers via email and she made a point to say that I said I liked it during orientation (which I did) but also said that she just wants to make sure that I'm where I feel I should be. She wants to set up a real meeting. I'm afraid that she will push more into why I said I liked it before. It's hard to explain that it just doesn't feel right.

I don't know, does that make sense to anyone? Have you ever hated a certain area of nursing for no particular reason other than you do? Any advice here is helpful. I just feel so guilty for wasting everyone's time training me.

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Specializes in Trauma ICU.

I would simply say that while I appreciated the opportunity to learn and work in the Trauma ICU, that after having spent more time there I realized that my heart belonged in OB. It happens.

You have to make whatever move is best for your and your well being. You don’t actually owe any grand explanations.

Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in Hospice Home Care and Inpatient.

Simply state that this was an area that you had interest in, and how grateful you are for opportunity, now you see where you feel you are most needed/ area preferred. Ask about dept transfer/ how long before you can do so. There is no reason for you to feel guilt. The world needs all of us. (I do hospice. I started my RN career in cardiac stepdown. )

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