What is the difference?

In our hospital, the CICU takes all medical cardiology patients....i.e. rule out MI's, cardiogenic shock, post-stents/interventions, etc. Our CVICU/CTICU takes post-op open heart surgery patients. Hope that helps!

Angie

Can you all help out a soon-to-be-grad?

I'm currently GN job hunting and need clarification. What is the difference between the CICU and the CVICU? Honestly, I thought they were the same (so little exposure, have I) until a prospective employer told me I could choose between them.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you! :)

Thank you. That helped a lot. :)

At my old hospital, the CICU (CCU) takes MIs, IABPs (balloon pumps), cardiac post codes, unstable chest pain, etc - non surgical usually. The CVICU is cardiovascular interventional for post stent and other procedures and some stable chest painers - basically a step down (a pretty easy place to work). Open hearts go to SICU along with all the other surgical pts.

I think you need to ask the recruiter what kind of patients each nurse takes in that particular hospital!

I think you need to ask the recruiter what kind of patients each nurse takes in that particular hospital!

I agree! Thank you.