Should I make the move? Am I ready?

[ataymil8]

I really need feedback since I'm getting nothing constructive in my year's experience on a medical floor. The last year has been like trying to drink water out of a fire hose. It has been very difficult. The unit where I work has mostly renal patients, COPD, diabetics, heart disease, amputations, tube feedings, etc. The acuity is very high and med lists are miles long, it seems.

I keep getting passed over for full time, although I have worked full time hours for a year. I have asked my unit manager repeatedly and have been told that I "take too long in report." The exact full time hours I had been working for 8/9 months were filled by a new hire. Since then, someone on orientation also got full time. I have good attendance and work ethic. I get along great with my peers and patients and families like me. I often get feedback from my patients. that I am a good nurse.

I am slower than the other nurses, but I take time to do a complete assessment and really connect with the patients and their families. Other nurses do not end up doing my work.When asked, an aide once told me that I was considered "the weak link." I am learning everyday. But most importantly, I have never been called out for serious mistakes or have been disciplined for any reason. The lack of feedback from my boss is eroding my self confidence and self esteem.

Long winded, I know. I'll get to the point. I interviewed for an ICU position. If it's offered, should I take it? Am I ready? Will I be able to do it? When I am nervous it's really hard to learn. My biggest fear is looking stupid. But, I REALLY want to work the ER or ICU. I have a lot to give and I like challenges. I like learning.

Should I work another year to have two years of med/surg under my belt or should I go for the ICU position if it's offered? I liked the environment up there, and the nurse manager. Many thanks for your anticipated feedback.

[fakebee]

If you have been working full time hours for 10 months on your floor and the full time jobs are going to new grads and the only fault in your practice is you take too long in report per your managers feedback, that should tell you all you need to know about your chances for advancement on said floor. Most managers would kill to have nurses whose sole fault was being a little slow on the floor. No one is ever ready to take on another entire new learning curve in a different specialty but most people adapt and learn. If you're worried about looking stupid because you don't know something and you find it hard to learn when you're nervous I have bad news for you- you will feel nervous and stupid a lot of the time because you are in a new environment as a novice. The good news is guess what- everybody else feels that way in that situation. Most of them succeed. If you are confident in your assessment skills and trust your critical thinking abilities, I say take the chance. Everything else can be learned. Good luck regardless of your decision, trust in yourself, and by all means make use of the knowledge available here to help you succeed. God bless.

[ataymil8]

I was offered the ICU job today. I'm going to accept the job. Can anyone recommend any study materials for now? Thanks.

[Wile E Coyote, ASN, RN]

Congrats!

Check to see if you're facility has ECCO available to them (Essentials of Critical Care Orientation) for one. It's not a book, but an entire course. Do you know what kind pf pts are typical for this particular icu?

[JeanOfAllTraits]

Congratulations! ICU is a huge learning curve but you sound like you want to learn and you want to be thorough. Look into what your orientation process would look like and if you have didactic classes and/or online material sucj as the ECColO modules. I also joined the AACN with my education money. They have several webinars about ICU topics and send out newletters with great articles.

[delphine22]

Good for you!

ICUfaqs.org is a fantastic resource, and written in a way novices can understand.

Also, if your background is medical and not tele, get started studying your rhythms. ECG Simulator | SkillStat Learning - Fast, Fun and Effective! will help you prepare for your ACLS.

[ataymil8]

Thanks for the input. Most pts will be respiratory distressed, septic, and ETOH withdrawals with complications, renal failure, etc. we have Telly on my current floor and I've been studying the rhythms. I'm very nervous, but excited to move forward.