Pros
The team camaraderie here is truly one of the best parts of the job—supportive colleagues who genuinely help each other out and create a great work environment. There are excellent opportunities to learn, especially for nurses interested in critical care. The interdisciplinary lecture rounds and case-based discussions offer valuable exposure and real-world application. Educational support is strong, and new nurses are given a solid foundation to grow their ICU knowledge.
Cons
The pay is unfortunately disappointing, especially for nurses with prior experience. I came in with two years (>5000 hrs) of med-surg experience, yet was paid the same base rate as a new grad—$29.70/hr. While I required ICU-specific orientation, I already had many of the fundamental nursing skills needed. It felt unfair to be valued the same as someone completely new to nursing. The rationale that I needed ICU orientation doesn’t fully justify overlooking my previous experience. A great place for new grads to gain real ICU experience in a supportive learning environment, but experienced nurses may find the pay structure discouraging.