Time for a change...

[oliveralways]

Hello-

I've been a nurse for almost 3 years and have worked in orthopedics, trauma, and renal (in the acute care setting). There have been many instances when a patient has taken a turn for the worse and I have had to call the Emergency/Rapid Response team. The team consist of a critical care trained RN. I admire their level of skill in assessing the patient and realize that I want to learn more than what I've learn in acute care. However, I'm not sure which path to go: MICU, NICU,CCU, CIU, etc.

Currently, I am on a travel assignment in an acute care setting. How would I go about transitioning?

Also, is it a hard transition?

Thanks

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

I think you'll have to become a staff member to make that transition. I'm a traveler, M/S since I graduated (3 years exp.) and am ready to go into the ICU. I've had trouble getting hospitals to place me in critical care. I've interviewed at 3 places, 2 in PA one in WA. Waiting to hear the results of the WA interview still. Both PA interviews went the same way for the most part though. Was asked to "help out" in M/S for a year or two then transfer to critical care.

Most places look at taking someone into critical care as an expense. They have to be absolutely certain you are going to stay and they can recover their investment. One other traveler who almost went staff told me she was told she'd have to sign the three year contract (with a sign on, but for others it optional) or it just wasnt in the hospitals best interest.

From the research I've done on the matter with close friends, here and by asking professionals who I respect, the biggest issue with going to critical care is dealing with the egos on the unit. Some CC nurses LOVE their title and protect their unit like it were some sort of fraternity or something. And their attitudes towards people arent always based on your performance. I know of a GN who graduated with me and went right to ICU who got laughed at for helping change a pt. bed. I know another who was written up for asking about a drug interaction, the experienced nurses couldnt help but jump on that........pointed out that if she knew what she was doing she "wouldnt ask such stupid questions" and wrote a note to the DON that she was not up to snuff for the unit.

When going into the unit, for the first year, be like a thief in the night, a ninja. Observe, watch who to associate with and who not to and avoid the "I am a gift from god, I bring to you knowledge that no normal mortal should know" types.