Wanting back to ICU bedside

Specialties Critical

Published

I have been a nurse for 14 years, primarily on med-surg and Neuro. I went to case management about a 1 1/2 years ago and recently started working on my Masters for FNP. Looking at moving back to bedside in a small ICU and would appreciate advice. I have always been quick study, worked as charge nurse on a difficult units and stayed current with ACLS until I went to care management. I'm excited/nervous/scared for opportunity and think it's important for my future career, skills, etc. The unit is not at major trauma type facility, but does occasionally have vents, drips and lots of recover cath lab patients. They have a great team who know me and have promised to help 'teach' me. I had quite a few code situations in Neuro, where patients tend to turn quickly when things go south. Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in MedSurg, OR, Cardiac step down.

Looking to make the switch to ICU also, look forward to responses

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

The fact that you are in school working on your FNP is a strong strike against you -- as this will signal any hiring manager that you don't intend to stay in the ICU for very long. Try to see it from the Hiring Manager's perspective, why invest in the training of someone who views the job as being a short-term one?

You are either going to have to keep your schooling and long term career plans a secret ... or think of some way to overcome their negative impact oh your desirability as a possible ICU nurse.

Given that you are not really interested in an ICU career, maybe it would be better to see a job more compatible with your long-term career plans to work as an FNP. That way, you would be able to honestly present yourself as someone for whom "this job" is a good fit for your career interests.

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I agree with what you're saying, but the manager for the unit approached me about the job, and she knows I'm in school, so there is no conflict there. I'm only going part time, but clinicals will have to be done during the week. I have been with same organization for a long time, and hope to stay with them in some capacity after graduation. I'm a little aprehensive about the change in settings

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