Training pathways in ICU
What kind of training pathways are there for ICU? 3 members have participated
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1. What kind of training pathways are there for ICU?
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Residency program for new grads and experienced non-ICU nurses66%2
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Training dependent on individual skill and knowledge base33%1
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No residency program, but extensive planned training with preceptors0%0
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On-the-job training without any plan0%0
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Other0%0
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I wanted to put out for discussion the various training pathways in ICU that I have observed to see what all you other ICU folks think. First, some background: I work in a MICU at a level II trauma center hospital. We also have a SICU/CVICU and a stepdown unit that are connected, yet somewhat separate from the MICU, but all are governed by the same management and some nurses float to all units from day to day or within a scheduling cycle. There have been unofficial as well as official ICU training programs throughout the years there.
One pathway, is that experienced nurses in other units of the hospital apply to ICU, interview with a panel of management and current ICU nurses, and are then chosen from the group to participate in a 4-6 month training program. There are classroom portions and then many shifts with a preceptor or two after which they are hired into an official position in the ICU.
Another pathway is for new grads which is essentially the same as above, except they all train for 6 months and have slightly more content in the classroom portion of the program.
Another pathway, which is the sticky wicket, is when some nurses who work in the stepdown unit are unofficially handpicked by charge nurses and/or management to train little bit by little bit to the MICU or SICU, without a specific application process or interview. They often end up as ICU nurses in much less time too, like maybe only a month or two. These nurses are generally very bright, they bring their A-game, they show potential for high level critical thinking, and take to critical care very easily.
Some of the ICU nurses who come through the training programs will look down on those nurses who come to ICU "unofficially" and resent the fact that they didn't truly apply for training. It seems unfair to some, and that argument is valid. However, to me, it seems that if some one has the skill and ambition for ICU, why does it matter which path it took them to get there? Everyone ends up at the same place.
For this topic, I would love to hear what other training possibilities are out there and whether any of you experience this type of phenomenon at your hospitals. And further, is there one right way or a variety of ways to train to any unit or role in the hospital? Is there an amount of time required for some one to train or is it dependent on the combination of their skill, ambition, and aptitude for learning, etc?