Hello! I'm a new grad ADN working days on a medsurg/tele floor. I REALLY want ICU. I loved it during school. I actually interviewed for an ICU position at a different hospital before accepting the job I have now, but they hired me in the ER instead and asked me to sign a long-term/low paying contract. NOPE. I decided to work at the VA instead, and I love it here! Great patients and great benefits.
My boss just offered me to work on the step-down unit. I've already cross trained on the unit, so I know what I'm getting myself into. It's not easier, but having three patients can be less of a headache. I felt less like a chicken running around with its head cut off. I'm thinking that this might help me get into the ICU in the future. However, the position is for nights. I worked night shift before, and I adapted well, but after a few months I started feeling fatigued all of the time. I LOVED nights though. Still hard work, but less families/doctors. More camaraderie. I don't have any children or a family yet.
My question is: Do you guys think working step-down will make me that much more marketable for an ICU position in the future? I'm enjoying tele on days, but I do feel like I could be learning more. It's challenging, but not as intellectually challenging as I'd like. Would you guys stick with tele on days or go to step-down on nights?
I noticed all of the PACU, short-stay, and supervisory positions at my hospital always require ICU, ER, or Step-Down experience. I'm thinking that this might open up more doors up for me in the future.
Any suggestions?
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Hello! I'm a new grad ADN working days on a medsurg/tele floor. I REALLY want ICU. I loved it during school. I actually interviewed for an ICU position at a different hospital before accepting the job I have now, but they hired me in the ER instead and asked me to sign a long-term/low paying contract. NOPE. I decided to work at the VA instead, and I love it here! Great patients and great benefits.
My boss just offered me to work on the step-down unit. I've already cross trained on the unit, so I know what I'm getting myself into. It's not easier, but having three patients can be less of a headache. I felt less like a chicken running around with its head cut off. I'm thinking that this might help me get into the ICU in the future. However, the position is for nights. I worked night shift before, and I adapted well, but after a few months I started feeling fatigued all of the time. I LOVED nights though. Still hard work, but less families/doctors. More camaraderie. I don't have any children or a family yet.
My question is: Do you guys think working step-down will make me that much more marketable for an ICU position in the future? I'm enjoying tele on days, but I do feel like I could be learning more. It's challenging, but not as intellectually challenging as I'd like. Would you guys stick with tele on days or go to step-down on nights?
I noticed all of the PACU, short-stay, and supervisory positions at my hospital always require ICU, ER, or Step-Down experience. I'm thinking that this might open up more doors up for me in the future.
Any suggestions?