Transition to ICU

[redtshirt]

Hi all,

I am two years qualified as a general nurse and I have worked all over the place gaining different experiences in my two years both medical and surgical. I am now considering going to ICU. I love the adrenaline rush when you have a sick patient on the ward, I like the detective work involved in why they have deteriorated, I enjoy being involved with families. I am afraid however that I will miss not being able to have conversation with my patient if they are sedated. I always talk to my patients however much they are sedated/ comatosed/ dead but i miss when they don't talk back. Did anyone find this a big change?

I am also wondering in terms of future employment and upskilling will ICU experience help or hinder me? I have no idea where I would like to be in ten years. Somewhere in nursing for sure. Maybe as a nurse manager or specialist. In my last year I have been a team leader managing junior staff etc. But I am afraid that I will lose this ability going into an ICU environment where I will have 1:1 care instead of being a co-ordinator for 16 patients and 3 nurses.

If any of you have had experience with this I would greatly appreciate your advice!

Thanks!

[hodgieRN]

I understand what you saying....Not all ICU pt are sedated and intubated. There are a good number that are confused or have neuro issues. I work in the unit and I get to talk to my pt all the time. I spent tons of time with the family and that tends to happen b/c there are more questions when someone is really sick. I work in a unit were it's 2:1 ( I think most are like that). If you work in the ICU, I think it would look good for future employment. Depends on whether you want more of the manager type job or bedside nurse. It is super busy

[redtshirt]

Thanks for your help!