Tele or Step-Down better for ICU??

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

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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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Anyone??

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Yes, I do think it would open more doors for you to work on a stepdown unit and make you a more logical choice to "step up" into ICU. Where i work the stepdown nurses get crosstrained in ICU after a year.

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Specializes in Emergency, ICU.

Definitely step down will make you more appealing for an icu position. Tele is limited.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Thanks guys!

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