Tele RN, 7 months, thinking of ICU?

MurseJustin · Feb 11, 2011

I started working on a Tele/Step-Down floor when I graduated in August 2009. Throughout school my desire was to work in the ICU but due to limited openings and zero experience I wasn't able to get in right away. About 6 months after I started working, 3 positions opened up in the ICU. I applied for the transfer and managed to get the job. I have been in the ICU for almost a year now and do not regret my decision to transfer so early into my nursing career. I liked the Tele floor because it gave me necessary time management skills that I was lacking, however I felt more like a waiter than a nurse at times. I absolutely love the ICU, more for the specialized nursing skills than the decreased patient ratio. The hospital I work for is a Level I trauma center, and we are a mixed ICU so I get to see a little bit of everything. The experience is invaluable, I learn something new almost every time I work, and I am constantly forced to stay on my toes. I say go for it if that's what you want to do! My best advice is to never be afraid to ask questions if you transfer and always be willing to learn more and challenge yourself. You will never know everything, so don't ever act like you do.

detroitdano · Feb 15, 2011

You'll be fine. GPU's teach you nothing but minimal time management/prioritization skills. In the ICU even those skills get changed up.

You don't need a year on a GPU before you should transfer as you might hear, it is a crock of monkey poo. You'll be fine going straight from tele to ICU if you're willing and eager to learn. I went straight to ICU out of school and it was a non-issue for me.

Good luck!