Why Critical Care

CCU NRS · Jan 14, 2015

Well if you are looking for a full credentialing in all aspects of nursing CCU is the way to go. What you should get credentialed for in CCU includes, Open Heart Recovery, IABP (balloon pump), CCVHD/CRRT (continuous dialysis), Ventillator/Trach/Intubation care plus all the thing that you would lfind in any other unit IV, NG, Central line and general practice nursing. The ER/ED is known for the triage and instant adrenaline rush things happen fast and furiously especially in a Level 1 trauma center, but the ER/ED you either treat and street or admit and them they are gone. In a CCU will see some Pt's from arrival to transfer or death depending on severity. You will also learn how to deal and comapassionatly treat families and loved one who have just lost someone, which I am sure happens in ER/ED too but probably you won't have had any real time to create any relationship withnthe Pt or family as you will in the CCU. Anyway you also do not have to pigeon hole yourself to one thing you can work CCU for a while see if it is your thing and if not jump back to ER/ED which it seems like is probably your comfort zone seeing your current credentials.

Good Luck whatever you do, stick with it long enough to find out what you llike.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2015

I like critical care because you get to help the pts and families at their very worst.

The ED does the initial assessment/stabilization, and the ICU does the ongoing assessments/stabilizations/overall care. It could be just overnight, or it could be a couple of months before the pt is either well enough to transfer to the floor (or to an LTACH if the ICU can't wean them from the ventilator) or until they die.

The other big difference though, is the ED sees a LOT of non-emergencies. I have a friend who works ED, and she talks about all these routine things that pt's are BIBA for. Gastroenteritis, pregnant with

Also wanted to point out your wording of "ICU" vs. "ER/Trauma." Trauma is not an either/or. Trauma pts come in through the ED for initial injury dx and stabilization. They might go to the OR right away or later, but if they're unstable they go to the ICU. If they're not, they go to the floor. It's not that trauma is part of ED nursing and that's that.

Crew2Nursing · Jan 16, 2015

Having worked as a medic I have usually always took my patients to the Trauma 1 hospital due to the inner city shootings, stabbings, MI's, etc...

I loved the adrenaline rush but I also really want to expand and improve my clinical skills as well. Thanks for the info.