Re: Open heart ICU

I started on an open heart unit immediately after I graduated and I wouldn't have done it any other way.

Re: Open heart ICU

I am planning to do an accelerated BSN program and then enter an MSN program that requires 1-2 years of critical care nursing experience. Will it be fairly easy to get right into an ICU (PICU, NICU, ER don't count) or will I have to work elsewhere first and then get into an ICU? I'd prefer to get into the MSN program asap or I fear I will lose my drive to go back to school!

Re: Open heart ICU

I started in a cardiovascular ICU - including open hearts - right out of graduation. I had a 13-week internship in which I attended critical care classes for a month, and worked with a preceptor on the floor. I've been "on my own" since April, and I have yet to hear someone tell me I should have done med-surg first. (If I had decided to do a year in med-surg, I'm convinced it would have been my only year as a nurse!)

At this point I can tell I've gained confidence and critical thinking, and there is always a charge nurse (and usually a few other experienced nurses) around to offer opinions and suggestions if I don't know what I'm doing - or if it just sometimes feels that way! :-p I haven't been trained on CABG recovery yet, but my night charge nurse has urged me to take the class; it seems the only person who doesn't feel I'm quite ready for it is me.

These days it seems most inpatient specialties are more than willing to accept new grads and train them - we're ALL understaffed most of the time, right??

Re: Open heart ICU

We have a wonderful "residency". Six months including rotating through med/surg, tele, oncology then the remaining 3-4months on the unit with a preceptor. For most nurses they start taking hearts about a year later, however, there are some nurses that take hearts sooner. It all depends on their strengths. By the way i should ad that Im a new grad..well out for a wonderful year now

Re: Open heart ICU

Go for it, any area of nursing is doable straight out of the NP.
With the right environment, right preceptor and right attitude you can conquer what ever you put your mind too.
I wanted to just wish you all the very best in your chose field.
Remember if it does not work out for what ever reason there is still a gazillion areas in nursing to tap into.
Nursing is such a mobile work force with opportunities knocking at every door!!

Re: Open heart ICU

I am a new graduated nurse also and directly i became ICU nurse and i think that i am doing well.

Re: Open heart ICU

I went to a MSICU about a year out of school, and it wasn't till then that I *really* got my assessment skills down. On med/surg you're too darn busy to do more than superficial assessments, and that was even more true that many years ago. I disagree tht you need med/surg first because it's a different type of nursing--I'd describe it as "horizontal" nursing because you have to have an overview of a bunch of patients, whereas ICU nursing is "vertical" in that you have to have a *deep* knowledge of 2 patients. I think the instructor is just jealous because she had to do med/surg first

Re: Open heart ICU

I think it takes a special kind of person to be able to handle an ICU environment right out of nursing school. I applaud all of those nurses who are brave enough to try it but as for myself, I needed some step down experience first. A step down unit is a great place to get those critical thinking skills to start cooking and since you'll transfer patients to ICU and from ICU, it gives you a much broader picture of the way Critical Care works

Re: Open heart ICU

Well I have been a nurse for almost 5 yrs now, and like you I wanted to start in and ICU, but did not think that I would be quailfied to start there. I intially started in a med/surg floor that was surgical/telemetry. I was able to see everything from 18yrs old to 100yrs old, heart, neuro, GI,..you name I was able to see it. In my hospital not every floor was able to do telemetry so you got everything from everywhere. As a med/surg nurse I learn how to do a complete head-to-toe assessment, learned to be very organized (have to be or you won't make it as a med/surg nurse). I believed that I became the most well-rounded nurse I could.
After 2 1/2yrs I switched to a CCU nurse. It is a whole different enviroment. On the floor you are not allowed to think as much. If something is abnormal ie.urine out put low (200 in 8hrs), pot 3.4, anything you call the doctor. You don't necessarily fix the problem then call. In the ICU you are allowed a little more freedom and with that freedom responsiblity. The biggest problems I faced switching was whether or not to call the doc and to trust my instincts.
I think that if ICU is where your heart is, then grab it. Be pro-active in your learning/education. Never be afraid to say I don't know and be proud that you have enough guts to say it. I think if you are brave enough and self-motivated enough to start in an ICU-with the right experienced nurses around you, you can start in an ICU and thrive. You just have to want it enough and be willing to work at it. I personally would not trade my med/surg experience for anything. I think that even though I have only been a nurse for 5yrs, my assessment skills and organization skills are as sharp as those around me. In fact I find the more experienced RN's coming up to me asking questions about things that we don't normally see in CCU because of my diverse experience on the floor. No matter where you start, you determine how successful you will become. You have to want it and be willing to be aggressive to get the knowledge that you need to be the best nurse for your pt's.

Re: Open heart ICU

Hey,
I am a new grad and I accepted a position in an OHICU! I am nervous! However, it can be done, there were plenty of successful new grads that went before me and many that will come after!