Should I transfer?

[beeble]

Hi, wondering if I should transfer to MICU. I have the opportunity to transfer to MICU from a telemetry floor, where I have been for 2+ years.

I have 6 patients (sometimes 5, but usually only briefly). I finally have great hours (.9 12 hour nights), and would be going to .7 d/n, but I hear that there is always opportunity to pick up. And finally, our unit is a good place to work (not as clique-y as it was, and the NAs are really good right now). And I feel really competent on my job right now, with my skills. So all this--after working through some of the struggles (regarding cliques and NAs)-- I am fairly happy. Though our unit is known as "one to avoid" by others in the hospital (we are very very busy), but I like that-- time goes fast. There had been a time I wanted to transfer out as fast as I could, but not anymore.

I have gotten some MICU transfers lately and wondered 'what is up with MICU?' The patients came down to us with stool, lack of charting, they never bother to send equipment down (where we will have to re-order it, causing us and other departments who deliver it extra work). So lately I have been wondering what they do, if I have 6 patients, and they have 2, these things are too much for them to do, I had been thinking, maybe my long term goal of working there isnt the best.

I had wanted to work in ICU to get the experience. I like being technical, I wanted to learn more advanced equipment and concepts (though I do a lot of critical thinking where I am at now, and believe anyone in any area of nursing does this, it's just a different focus).

I also thought it would make me more marketable, especially in this economy. I see that many hospitals are only looking for ICU experienced RNs right now. I am thinking of possibly moving in 2 years to an area where jobs are tight, and this might help.

Can anyone give me any input on decision making in this matter? I am torn...

[lvICU]

Have you considered shadowing a nurse in the MICU for a couple of shifts? If you talk to the manager/director who would be hiring you, I am sure they would accommodate your request. Of course, you wouldn't be paid for this time but it would give you an idea of how the unit works. If you do decide that you want to work there, the fact that you put in some time to shadow may help you get the job.