Going from ED nurse to ICU nurse

[WineInTheSun]

Is there anybody who has made the change from working in ED to ICU? I’m currently working in the ED and it’s burning me out. Safe unstaffing, covering the ‘waiting area’ means I could have 40 patients, the new ‘corridor nurse’ role.... just the usual rubbish. I go home after every shift waiting for a datix to respond to and worried I’ll lose my pin.
I like poorly, acute patients. I’ve never worked in an ICU environment (not even as a student) and always feel a bit intimidated when I transfer/handover a patient up there! What is it like to work in ICU?
As a personality I am chatty, kind of ‘bouncy’ in that I buzz are the department a bit on shift and like meeting different people. Hence why I was attracted to ED and up until recent times have enjoyed it!!
Would I be mad to go to ICU?
The set bed number, more protected staffing (in my trust it’s unheard of for an ICU nurse to ever be moved to another department) and more controlled environment are attracting me to it.
Thanks!

Hi! Im an ED nurse, I did a placement in ITU but didnt choose to work there full time.

I REALLY enjoyed the level 3 'proper' ITU patients. Very busy as they're so sick, but equally not in the same was as you are in ED as you can pretty much plan your day with them. The downside was that quite often until you've done your ITU competencies you'll be stuck with patients awaiting a ward bed, or those that are nearing being well enough to be on a ward. I found that so incredible dull, I couldnt stand it. In the end thats what put me off.

What’s an Ed nurse?
My son is training to be a theatre nurse..is it the same?

Emergency Department Dowser.

I’m an itu nurse and think I couldn’t work in ED! My unit employs ward nurses with 6 months experience and jump at the chance to employ Ed nurses! It’s not always as exciting as ED, but I loved it. Our patient turn over is much less intense than ED. Worked there for 16 years so far. Go for it, I’m sure you won’t regret it.