I went into nursing school believing I wanted to work in the ED. I still do, as it blends well with my background (EMS). I do love the environment of the ED. But I have also discovered that I really love the ICU environment as well. I could see myself being very happy for many years as an ICU nurse.Bottom line: I would love to work in either ICU or ED. In a perfect world, I'd love to do both. Some people say those are mutually exclusive - that they are too different to do both. These same people have arched an eyebrow at me when I have expressed interest in both.I'm in my senior year now, so interviews and jobs are starting to be in my mind, and everyone keeps asking where I want to work. Will I seem uninformed or silly if I tell recruiters, nurses, or nurse managers that I'd love a position in the ICU or ED? Can I ask for both?P.S. I've seen ER v. ICU debate threads before. That is not my intent with this thread.
Lev, MSN, RN, NP 8 Articles; 2,803 Posts Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner. Has 10 years experience. Sep 30, 2016 You can do both. Many ex ICU nurses in ED and vice versa. Both give you critical care experience. I think some floor nursing experience is good for any ED nurse. Fills in the "holes."
MaxAttack, BSN, RN 412 Posts Specializes in Trauma/surgical/neuro critical care. Has 8 years experience. Oct 1, 2016 I told the recruiter flat out I need ER or ICU. I was signing a contract within a week.The only foolish thing here is the people living in their own reality that think this is uncommon.