Why Critical Care?

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Hi,

Hope everyone is doing well. I just wanted to do a poll to find out why nurses choose critical care. What are the specific ups/downs? In what do you find it rewarding vs. other areas of nursing?

I am a soon to be new grad and some classmates and I were talking. I knew exactly where to come to ask.

Thanks!!!

Specializes in icu.

I started in a med-surg icu right out of school and it was the best decision I could have made. I love the fast pace and the high degree of critical thinking that is involved. There is also a much greater degree of autonomy given to nurses in critical care (at least at my hospital) once you have proven yourself to be competent. I must admit to that I am a bit of an adrenaline junky - having spent 7 years as an EMT with my local volunteer fire department.

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Specializes in Surgical Intensive Care.

I teched in SICU during nursing school and found that it was for me from day one. I had my doubts about the fast pace and all the things to learn, but I knew that if I didn't dive right in while the information was fresh in my mind, I'd never come back from the floor to ICU. I have been in SICU for 7 months now and there's not a day that goes by that I wonder what I have gotten myself into, but I continue to learn and keep coming back for more.

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

I loved ICU when I had my clinicals in nursing school. I was in awe of those nurses and their vast knowledge. It took me a long time to get to the ICU in my nursing career, I think I have done it all (almost), I started in Long Term Care, then a vent house, a TCU, home care, finally to the hospital where I did ortho, then tele and finally ICU. It was my goal all along, in the back of my mind. I really like the path I took to get there. I have this broad experience and an appreciation for nurses in all areas. There are weak nurses and strong nurses everywhere, including ICU. Each area has its own challenges. Do I think it is "better" to be an ICU nurse? Yes and No. I love that I am finally here but already am thinking of what is next. I certainly don't think I am "better" than the awesome nurses I have met along the way. I just had a different goal and a need to change and grow. That is what is so great about nursing, so many areas to try.

A great nurse is a great nurse is a great nurse no matter where they are. They question is are you going to be a great nurse? That is another thing to ask!!!

:nurse::nurse::nurse:

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Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

The adrenaline rush

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