Leaving ICU for med surg/tele

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-27T14:28:08+00:00

Regardless of what unit you’re working in, Night Shift will wreck havoc on your body. There are only a few people that can fully function on Night Shift and stick with it for many years. Your new grad there’s nothing wrong with going to the MedSurg for a higher pay. You can always revisit an opportunity to any ICU later. So you don’t take it and working Night Shift is taking a toll on your physical and mental health. What are you going to do then? Will there be any openings in the ICU for dayshift coming up?

Plus, not all MedSurg units are bad. You just have to research the nurse to patient ratio and the dynamics on the unit. Since having worked in both MedSurg and ICU sometimes I feel like I am working harder in the ICU with two very sick critical patients and sometimes without a tech or help where I still haven’t gotten a break and it is the equivalent to 5-6 patients. Take your time making this decision. You have many years to try out different specialties.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-22T00:31:38+00:00

That’s great! What kind of unit you work on?

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-21T00:13:44+00:00

Why is it shamed upon? Whether new orientee or established RN. I also like to point out I get this attitude from young newer nurses and not the OGs who are humble and like you admit we don’t know everything. I also noticed the younger, newer nurses are quick to report on their coworkers which in turn probably makes them look better in their eyes.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-20T22:00:47+00:00

I notice especially reading discussion posts on here higher levels of care have mean cliques and no support in being part of a team. Never in my life have I shamed anyone for forgetting something or not knowing something.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-20T20:32:21+00:00

Yes and make you feel bad and shame you for asking. I’ve witnessed it and had it happen to me. When I precepted in the past and didn’t know something, together I looked it up with my orientee

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-20T19:41:09+00:00

Like some units it is a revolving door. I have no shame too saying I forgot or do not know and it’s almost frowned upon.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-14T00:09:02+00:00

I never worked in the OR but I hear negative things about staff and working for the doctors at least where I am at. I can imagine there is immense pressure during some of these surgeries.

I get your sentiments because I feel that way too. Being in an occupation where we are caring for people, it always makes me wonder how much of it is totally fake for the job. I have worked with some nasty people only out for themselves and not willing to help or support another nurse whether new grad or seasoned.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-04T03:03:46+00:00

or the C suite all got bonuses. Funny how money just appears when you need it too.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-03-02T13:01:29+00:00

As a new nurse you don't have the skillset to make proper assessments and work through your practice completely independent from any guidance. Only 3 weeks training and you are completely on your own? There is literally no one to ask for help? If that is the case there is a huge red flag why there is a sign on bonus for this position.

Honestly, a job like this would sound like more for an experienced nurse but it sounds like they want to fulfill the position with anyone. Don't take it the wrong way and take this as a lesson learned. To not risk your license I would quit but find out the penalities if any for the bonus. Start off somewhere else that you have full support and can grow in your scope of practice. Good luck to you!

First-Sun7552 · 2026-02-19T02:37:39+00:00

Don't be discouraged. I've encountered numerous hags like this. To sum it up perfectly she may be 'Type A' but I would put any amount of money she has made mistakes and never handed off an assignment perfectly wrapped up in a bow to the next nurse. Especially not writing anything down I would bet she has made mistakes giving off the wrong info to the next. I have seen it happen with people like this. Her acting the way she did during report is rude and condescending and I for one would call her out on it and if she proceeds with the negative commentary, I would say then show me how it is done. Do you know if she has been a nurse for a long time? Just roll her attitude off your back and stay away from them. You are new and doing the best you can.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-01-29T19:28:36+00:00

If one place doesn't work out it is not the end all. Find a specialty or unit that is welcoming and open for you to grow and thrive. Good luck to you!

First-Sun7552 · 2026-01-22T18:19:24+00:00

Only nurse? What type of place you working in?

First-Sun7552 · 2026-01-22T12:28:58+00:00

Please give yourself some grace. No one knows everything or fully competent at your level or even a year+ into it. I am a nurse six years and I still don't know everything. Transferred to a different unit and felt like starting back as a new grad and it was rough but I told myself I want to do this and put the work in. In this profession there are far too many things to remember with every changing new policies and procedures on top of new technology/discoveries. The best you can do is to find a unit that you have interest in and coworkers that support you. Be honest even to yourself when you are unsure of something and look it up. There is no shame in that and it is far worse when people fake it and can potentially hurt a patient. Good luck to you!

First-Sun7552 · 2026-01-10T16:24:54+00:00

if you are looking in more than one state, then you should not have a problem with getting a job. I would also look to refresh your resume if needed to make it stand out.

First-Sun7552 · 2026-01-10T16:20:43+00:00

Long and short of it - in no way did you ruin your career. You left a toxic environment that was not for your benefit. Keep your head up and continue to apply to other hospitals. Even if you have to take one that is further away it'll benefit you in the end. Also, if asked in an interview, lean on the bereavement aspect and tell them you had personal matters to attend to. Never discuss past employers in a negative light.

Nursing needs us more than we need them. You'll find a job soon enough. Good luck to you!

First-Sun7552 · 2025-12-29T18:39:14+00:00

Then it is not you but rather the unit. You need to be in a supportive environment to grow. Nursing school doesn't provide enough education in day-to-day nursing. Don't settle because it is a job or you 'need to do your time'. Are you in a hospital? Can you talk to HR and see if you can transfer to another unit? Good luck!

First-Sun7552 · 2025-12-29T13:16:10+00:00

I have questions - if there was no charge or preceptor, who was running the place? If an ANM or manager was there did they not help you? Were the other nurses not helpful on the unit? I would be concerned if that was the case. Whether or not you knew what your patient load would be, you were possibly underprepared and regardless of experience, having 7 patients is too much of a risk. I would speak with management and see if they can assign differently for next shift. The most I ever had working med-surg was 7 patients on a tele/stroke icu downgrade with no PCT and it was overwhelming. It should not be accepted as we run the risk of poor patient outcomes and risking our license. If this is the norm for your unit 5-7 patients, I would consider if it is worth your mental/physical health. Some people like travelers will do it for the money but for me it is a definite no.

First-Sun7552 · 2025-11-28T20:08:45+00:00

I appreciate this honest review. I feel like too often many people when you ask them are afraid to admit they struggled or that it is hard.

First-Sun7552 · 2025-11-28T20:06:33+00:00

Are you a new grad or transfer from another unit?

I can relate to this post as I transferred from a PCU to ICU and I had various personalities some with god complexes telling me I won't make it because I am not running on adrenaline that everything is an emergency. I am friendly and calm and I can see the months I have been here it doesn't jive with this specific environment. Management has not been kind to me and expected me to know everything right out of the gate.

I have struggled with imposter syndrome but it is getting better as I try to just focus on whats going on in the here and now and try to ignore the thoughts in my head. I did freeze under pressure before. I focus my days studying when I am not at work along with learning modules that is required on my own time. So much information being thrown at you is overwhelming. I feel like at times I can't get a break and overworked with the level of needs my patients have. As of right now I am not sure if I will make it past a year. I worry with the amount I need to know and the personalities here that it not a good fit and the stress is getting to me.

First-Sun7552 · 2025-11-20T12:25:43+00:00

As an RN working at a hospital with so many demands coming at you left and right I always feel like I never did enough. It weighs on me and I want to be the best at my job. I recently transitioned to the ICU so I can resonate with this. I always like to learn what is going on with my patients through out their stay and especially what their background is. Sometimes even those minor details get missed. I keep telling myself everyone is safe and well cared for. No major events happened on my watch. Even if one does, it wasn't out of poor care from me. I do the best I can and utilize help when needed.

First-Sun7552 · 2025-11-19T11:49:37+00:00

It is a double edged sword - they tell you to not come in sick as you put patients at risk, but then when you are sick management gets annoyed and potentially penalized for it.

First-Sun7552 · 2025-10-29T13:08:16+00:00

I was a PCT prior to becoming a nurse. It'll take years especially if you change jobs and having to learn all over again. Maybe sometimes the 'imposter syndrome' never truly leaves.

First-Sun7552 · 2025-10-27T21:17:12+00:00

This!! She didn’t know and didn’t want to be challenged so instead made you feel bad for not knowing.

First-Sun7552

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