Senior Practicum: Telemetry vs ICU?

[jchene]

Can I ask for advice? The time has come for me to select my senior practicum and I have a choice between telemetry and ICU. It is my goal to be an ER nurse, even as a new grad if possible! I really WANT to choose the telemetry floor because I enjoy learning about the cardiovascular system, I'm fairly comfortable with those meds, and it would be good EKG practice. However, I know the ICU would look amazing on my resume and I would probably experience a lot there.

My priority is to be where I can practice the most skills, and where I can be most prepared for the ED. Any advice for me??

Thank you!! :)

[guest769224]

ICU. Everything you mentioned about the Telemetry floor can also be found in the ICU.

It will look better when applying for the ER.

[jchene]

Thanks for the advice!

[loveSBK]

ICU definitely. ICU is tough and it would look awesome for that ED position you want. You will learn so much in ICU. I'm actually in a residency program for ICU and the ED folks are part of it. They only go somewhere else if its a topic being taught that does not really apply to them, such as swan catheters. But everything else we have learned along side with them. Good luck!!!!

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

ICU all the way. You will see heart patients in the ICU too plus a host of other issues. Many ICU admits start come from ER. Our ICU nurses pick up time in my ER. They need just a few shifts of training.