Why choose critical care?

[pjwp2020]

This is for all who currently works as a CCRN or who is interested in critical care nursing. Why? I'm contemplating beginning my nursing career in critical care--SCIU/CTICU to be more specific. I was called in for a 2nd interview for a critical care fellowship program that orients, and educates you for ONE yr. However, I'm beginning to doubt that I "got what it takes" for this difficult position as a new grad. Any thoughts?

[XingtheBBB, BSN, RN]

The cons-

2. There is no other "unit" to send them to... no matter how long or hard they crash, you own that work until it turns around.

And if you think that's really a pro, not a con (I do!!!) then critical care just might be for you!

[NAURN]

Its certainly not glamorous. We have no techs, or secretaries... but we take 2 pts a piece and even then its too much sometimes. Some of our pts are 3 nurses to one at times.... We turn, clean poop, catch vomit, suction vents, deal with impossible families (lucky we do NOT have open visitation) and eat our lunch at the nurses station while we chart.

BUT I LOVE IT. I know my pt inside and out. I can think about the pt and the whys and hows of what is going on with the pt, instead of being more task oriented and being lucky if I get my pt's assessed my noon. I can critically think and notice when subtle changes occur. I LOVE IT

I am not sure how your internship works... I worked med/surg for the first year and I believe it was essential for me... it made me the nurse I am, got my assessment skills down, learned my meds, able to manage my time... and even then I didn't think I had what it took to do ICU. So I am pro getting your feet wet first with med/surg, but I don't know that you should turn down that offer. I just would have felt overwhelmed being a new nurse, learning what kind of nurse I was, AND having to learn drips, vents, invasive lines, etc.

Its a personal decision only you can make. Good luck

[pjwp2020]

I want to say to everyone who commented. After giving it more thought I do realize the worth of this yr long fellowship and I'm ready for this challenge...I have to start somewhere!! I feel more confident for tomorrow's interview. Wish me luck :)