How different is a pediatric CVICU versus an adult CVICU? (I have worked tele/med-surg and 1.5 years on an adult non-trauma ICU. My dream has always been level 1 CVICU but I’ve never considered peds until a new opportunity just presented itself)
Hi! I do both. I worked as an adult CVICU for 6yrs before getting into peds CVICU (3yrs now). I can say the biggest difference for me was the anatomy! The adult side is mostly NORMAL hearts and related to disease processes that affect the heart in ways that REQUIRE interventions. The pediatric side is having to LEARN the congenital abnormalities and syndromes that babies are BORN with.. their disease process is active and occurring daily and QUICKLY because it often started in utero. Peds CVICU will keep you on your toes because all babies with abnormalities are different and you will get to see how a single ventricle is managed, the surgical interventions for cardiac vascular abnormalities and the balancing of the heart and lungs and goals of growth to help these babies live their best possible lives. That side can be very rewarding for the babies and families that pull through and can be trying for those that don’t. The reality is there are NOT a lot of baby hearts to transplant and the interventions are often palliative. A lot of those babies are born and never get to go home because they live their first few months in the hospital getting stabilized.. it’s not a unit thin skinned folk.. but I welcome you to the specialty. It will not only grow your resume but your heart and love for the profession.
Good afternoon,
Pediatric CVICU is a completely different world. Unlike 90% adults that acquire a cardiac condition, pediatrics of more commonly born with a congenital heart defect, such as TOF or HLHS. These are complex defects that are known before birth and typically born in a Children’s hospital and go straight to the CVICU for surgical planning. Depending on the defect and severity, immediately goes on a wait list for a heart transplant. There are far more variables with pediatric CVICU, and I will say it’s not for the faint of heart. You have to be strong and knowing that some go your kiddos will die in the hospital at some point. Some never go home. However, there are many amazing things and successes to working in the pediatric CVICU. The training is far more in-depth and you must be very knowledgeable about their defect. A big learning curve is the route the blood is traveling in the heart. You will never be alone, and you have so much support from your fellow nurses and providers.
This is just a small difference and I wish you the best in your decision.
Hi! I never had a desire to take care of sick children. Even in pediatric rotation in school I did not enjoy. With adults it’s more black and white and there’s an understanding and life level of intelligence regarding plan of care. With kids under 18 the parent dynamic is also involved .
Good luck to you!
Pediatric anything was something I always said I would never do, but after working 4+ with adults (ER and MICU), I decided to go to Pedi CVICU. Let me tell you I LOVE IT. These babies are adorable! I feel like the care surrounding these patients is actually genuine. Everyone works together so well and there’s a great culture on the unit (at least on nights where I am). Even with experience there’s a lot to learn about these hearts, so just make sure you are willing to put in the time. It’s also nice not breaking your back every shift trying to turn a patient. We’ve had a couple of transplants, ECMO is always on standby, and a lot of 1:1 assignments for these sick kiddos. Definitely enjoying my time here.
PCICU = getting new, slightly defective cars on the road. CVICU = getting 300k mile, poorly maintained cars to maybe 350k miles. Choose wisely.
I have only worked peds, but when I listen to adult ICU nurses they sound different in diagnosis, healing, and treatment. I can tell you the managers generally seem very happy to train and adult nurse into our peds department, and it seems like the nurses are happy they made the move.
