ICU duties

Specialties CRNA

Published

I'm graduating in May 2003 for my BSN, so, I'm a long way off from CRNA, however, I plan on starting preparations early. What types of things in the ICU should I be learning and watching to help me in CRNA school when I get there? Any particular types of procedures, meds, etc that I need to learn for interviews? I dont just want to work to be working. I want to learn as much as I can that may help me in CRNA school later. Thanks for the info.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Although I am the first to reply, I'm sure I won't be the last--so I will keep it basic. I think the main things you should focus on are:

getting hands on with titrating vasoactive gtts, ventilator management, working with arterial lines and pa catheters, and obviously critical thinking skills. If you work in an icu for a couple years, you will have gained most of this. It may also behoove you to pick up an anesthesia book somewhere down the road to gain some added info. Hope this helps!

Matt

Up Vote Up Vote ×

also wanted to add--some may disagree, but any of the icu's will be sufficient for this experience. I work in a high-risk open heart unit, but sicu and micu have very similar work.

matt:D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

anything unstable...

I work in an SICU and talked in my application about how I monitor recovery from anesthesia and admit patients directly from the CRNA (like those fresh open hearts, crani's, or transplants) and also got to go on about titrating vasopressors and paralytics like Norcuron. I figure these experiences can't hurt.

Working nights for a while really enabled me to put all the pieces together. With fewer family and doctor visits the nurses had more time to sit and brainstorm about our patients. (did I just say sit? sorry, that doesn't happen in my unit :) )

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Anesthetist.

After your graduate from nursing school, you will learn that you don't know much, you will think you know a lot, but you won't. Your first 2 years post grad you are task oriented. Work on your time mgmt. Be into DETAILS. Learn what makes people tick... as much as possible. Learn how to manage difficult family/pt dynamics. You will occasionally need to deal with families, especially if youu make a mistake. It is VERY important to be upfront and proactive. You will tell the patient or the family for example, the spinal was blotchy/spotty, so we progressed to a general, etc. When intubating, we cut the upper lip, etc. Telling people ahead of time will prevent most law suits. Learning how to deal with people under stress will help you in the long run.

Lots of other things to learn, but this is something not usually mentioned.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment