to train or not?

[evil03midget]

Hello. I have a problem. I currently work as a step down cardiac nurse. My boss recently asked me if I feel ready to train for ICU. I have been a nurse for a year now on the floor. I know the floor well and love the people. My problem is I really want to learn and know all about ICU and be a ICU nurse in our cardiac floor, but I'm very scaried. It's a huge step for me. I'll work with new people, different environment, and with much sicker people. I really love where I work, but have always wanted to expand my knowledge and skills. Should I go for it and train or not? Any advice for preparing for ICU training? Anyone done it recently and have tips or likes and dislikes about it they want to share? I'm open for ideas and opinions. Thanks!

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

You may want to try posting in the critical care forum or reading there, as there's several posts about starting out there. I say why not take the opportunity to learn something new, if you work in a place that's offering the chance and there are supportive people to help you out.

If you don't feel ready, wait until you do. You should know whether you're the type of person who picks things up quickly and likes to accept a challenge - or not. Not everyone is.