Calling all new grads/new to the ICU starting Feb. 2013!!!!

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Hello! I started in the ICU recently as well. So far it has been going well, I have been blessed with two awesome preceptors. I don't have a lot of bedside experience, but my preceptors keep telling me it's ok, I'll get it. Just had day 5 and so far I have been given one stable patient twice, with my preceptor to answer any questions.

We were given the book Critical Care Nursing Demystified, and so far it seems pretty good.

Has anyone experienced any flack about being a new grad and going into the ICU? One tech started going on about he doesn't know why the unit keeps hiring young ignorant nurses and my aunts friend said that my manager must have been crazy or desperate to hire me. THe fact is my hospital deliberately hires new grads so they can train them their way, our preceptorship is 16 weeks long, and the critical care classes they send us to every week does not count towards that 16 weeks.

Anyway. I'm having a ball. :)

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Nothing to say today really but just glad I have gainful employment. High fives![/quote']

*High Fives* YESS!!! Congrats!!!

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Sounds like the tech has his issues, and so does your Aunt (sorry)...

Glad you are enjoying the ride!!!

I survived getting up early and going to orientation for a whole week! Lots of classroom time, more next week for two days, then orientation to unit for another two days. Next Friday, nurse residency class, then 4 hrs of orientation with my preceptor, then a full shift of preceptorship next Sunday. After 3 months on Stepdown , I go back into the nursing classroom. I also have PALS scheduled in March. But one foot forward first...I will enjoy my weekend off!

Lots of classroom time, more next week for two days, then orientation to unit for another two days. Next Friday, nurse residency class, then 4 hrs of orientation with my preceptor, then a full shift of preceptorship next Sunday. After 3 months on Stepdown , I go back into the nursing classroom.

Awesome! Your orientation sounds like it's very organized! Good luck next week!

And KeepNpositive, that tech seems like he/she has issues, not related to "ignorant new nurses" but that's what they are taking it out on.

I do agree that it's tough though, I see myself getting overwhelmed if I had to do it all by myself. Two unstable, crashing patients and the MOUNTAIN of charting and orders for both, are just beyond my capabilities right now.

I think any new nurse is going to be overwhelmed wherever they start.

MeganMarie

7 Posts

I just graduated in December from an ADN program, I completed my preceptorship in the ICU, and was hired on to an ICU just recently for a three month residency with a one year contract to work after the initial residency is complete. I even scored day shift! Yes! I had an awesome nurse as my preceptor and am hoping for the same in my new job, as I feel they make all the difference. I am also working away already on BSN online (my goal is to become a critical care ARNP in the future). Good luck everyone!

ktliz

379 Posts

Specializes in critical care.
I do agree that it's tough though, I see myself getting overwhelmed if I had to do it all by myself. Two unstable, crashing patients and the MOUNTAIN of charting and orders for both, are just beyond my capabilities right now.

I think any new nurse is going to be overwhelmed wherever they start.[/QUOTe]

I just keep reminding myself that I won't really be alone... even the most experienced nurse shouldn't be left alone with 2 crashing patients. I am never afraid to ask questions but sometimes I feel bad asking for help when I need extra hands. I just started night shift though and the teamwork is awesome... people are constantly popping into each other's rooms asking if they need help. Especially when the curtain is closed, or when there is an admission, help comes out of the woodwork!

etymed

35 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care.

Hurst got me passed the NCLEX! :)

Hurst got me passed the NCLEX! :)

Congrats RN!!!!

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I just keep reminding myself that I won't really be alone... even the most experienced nurse shouldn't be left alone with 2 crashing patients. I am never afraid to ask questions but sometimes I feel bad asking for help when I need extra hands. I just started night shift though and the teamwork is awesome... people are constantly popping into each other's rooms asking if they need help. Especially when the curtain is closed, or when there is an admission, help comes out of the woodwork!

AWESOME!!!

etymed

35 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care.

Thanks :)

Yeah - the CICU I've interned in so far is also pretty awesome when it comes to admissions. There were a bunch of us male nurses who went in to see if they needed help moving her. And then one of the guys was all, "If you need to use the bathroom, now's a good time!" Hahaha

I'm having some anxiety about starting nights. I know wah wah, everyone has to do it.

Just having some apprehension about how it'll affect everything. I actually like the hustle and bustle of days and having doctors around to collaborate with and helping to modify therapy.

etymed

35 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care.
I'm having some anxiety about starting nights. I know wah wah, everyone has to do it.

Yeah I am too...

Mainly I'm just anxious about getting into the knack of falling asleep during when it's daytime and getting enough quality sleep to keep up with the demands of an ICU.

on another note, I did CPR in the unit for the first time in my life last weekend. Crazy. Have you ever?

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