Should I take the ICU leap?

Specialties Critical

Published

Long story short, I have tried to be a well rounded nurse and explore different areas of nursing. I have found that a few positions that I would like to try require ICU experience. ICU has always been a strong interest of mine but never had the opportunity to transfer. I am hoping to love ICU and stick it out for the long haul. Do you think that going into ICU would make me more marketable? 

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Specializes in ICU.

Absolutely. You can go anywhere from the ICU, whether it be another department or looking at continuing your education. However, you don’t necessarily have the same options when working the floor. That being said, ICU is not easy and you have to have a love for it to be able to last. Just like any area of nursing, it is it’s own special beast and you’ll have to deal with hardships you may not have thought about or dealt with previously. 
Best of luck to you! 

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Thank you. I appreciate your response. I start in ICU at the end of this month ?

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Specializes in ED, Tele, MedSurg, ADN, Outpatient, LTC, Peds.

If you are looking to be "marketable" critical care areas ED, CICU,ICU,Telemetry, stepdown, NICU are areas you may want to consider.

 I personally preferred the ED as I got to see the run of the mill to the highly critical pts and loved the fast pace. I feel that if you develop an expertise along with education, you are in a good position. However, I value the strong foundation, I got in my med-surg/tele unit and it made me a stronger ED nurse. Follow your passion always and they will come looking for your expertise! All luck!

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Thank you! I decided to take the leap and just started yesterday!!

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