Transition from ortho to SICU

[BillboSN]

I am graduating in May and am considering taking a position on an ortho floor. Once I have some experience (6 mo - 1 year), I want to transfer to an ICU.

I am debating whether to take the position or hold out for anther position on a step-down unit or general med/surg floor. But, the ortho position is at a hospital that I really want to work at.

Would staring on an ortho floor make for a more difficult transition into the ICU?

[RNperdiem, RN]

The ortho floor is often where our trauma patients end up once they leave the SICU and stepdown.

If you work in a trauma center, a lot of your ortho patients will be trauma patients, and the experience you learn there will be helpful.

[SarasotaRN2b]

I am graduating in May and am considering taking a position on an ortho floor. Once I have some experience (6 mo - 1 year), I want to transfer to an ICU.

I am debating whether to take the position or hold out for anther position on a step-down unit or general med/surg floor. But, the ortho position is at a hospital that I really want to work at.

Would staring on an ortho floor make for a more difficult transition into the ICU?

I would definitely consider this position. As the poster states, in ortho you will have a lot of follow up with trauma cases, and if it is somewhere that you really want to work...DO IT! The first year is going to be tough enough, but if you have positive feelings about an area, that will definitel be a plus for you!

congrats!

Kris