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

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Specializes in ICU.

so these past two weeks have been crazy busy! learning lots and was searching for resources for vasoactives and I found this which covers basic hemodynamics and seems helpful, thought I would share...

https://allnurses.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6985&d=1234829469

8 more weeks untill they let me loose! :nailbiting:

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
so these past two weeks have been crazy busy! learning lots and was searching for resources for vasoactives and I found this which covers basic hemodynamics and seems helpful, thought I would share...

https://allnurses.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6985&d=1234829469

8 more weeks untill they let me loose! :nailbiting:

^ same here!!! Spent today recovering and looking up hemodynamic monitoring to get more familiar. I'm looking up common meds, diagnoses, etc. I have 4 more days off. I start night shift rotation next week. I have 5 x 7 cards, making my own Critical Care Cards. A lot of unit specific info is accessible for me to look at while I'm home.

I still plan to relax and enjoy my days off as well. I'm making sure I have this work-life balance in check!

Me three you guys! 8 weeks, dun dun dun!

etymed

35 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care.
so these past two weeks have been crazy busy! learning lots and was searching for resources for vasoactives and I found this which covers basic hemodynamics and seems helpful, thought I would share...

https://allnurses.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6985&d=1234829469

8 more weeks untill they let me loose! :nailbiting:

Thanks! That will be helpful! :)

Hi :-) I'm going to be starting an ICU residency in 10 days. I graduated in December, and had my first interview this past week....feeling so blessed to have gotten the job!!!

I must say, as of right now with zero critical care experience, I'm most nervous about participating in a code....

my nurse manager and CNO are really friendly, encouraging people so I'm really thrilled about that.

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and join the club :-)

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Hi :-) I'm going to be starting an ICU residency in 10 days. I graduated in December, and had my first interview this past week....feeling so blessed to have gotten the job!!!

I must say, as of right now with zero critical care experience, I'm most nervous about participating in a code....

my nurse manager and CNO are really friendly, encouraging people so I'm really thrilled about that.

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself and join the club :-)

Welcome!!!! :)

etymed

35 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care.

Welcome aboard the non-stop train of critical care!!! :) A wild ride.

Pearls of happiness I received:

Compliments and gratitude from a few of my patients. Yay! It's amazing that people can be so appreciative when they are going through so much stress.

Did some non-pharmacological interventions to keep a patient from receiving some heavy duty meds for stabilization. Woo hoo! One of my prouder moments.

Some of my unhappier moments:

One compliment from a patient based solely on how fast I am with my "fetching" abilities. In my head, I wanted to start fussing at the patient, because it's not about how quickly I can grab some juice for you. But hey, what are you gonna do?

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

:yawn: Week 3 starts tonight @7!!!!

@ Flo, sounds awesome! Roll with it!! :)

dressagerdr

42 Posts

Here's a little update... I've completed about 12 12 hour night shifts now. So far I love my unit and the people working there- everyone is incredibly supportive. Propofol and levophed have become my new best friends ;). Last night was my first time taking two on my own with my preceptor as a resource, and it went very well-great confidence booster! It's amazing how 2 weeks ago I was scared to work with a lot of these drugs, but now I feel perfectly comfortable titrating on my own in most cases.

Overall I feel like I've gained an incredible amount of knowledge, but I feel like there is sooooo much left to learn. I'm so impressed with the knowledge level of the nurses I'm working with! I've had nights like last night where things go smoothly and I'm on top of everything. And then I've had nights like the night before last, where both my preceptor and I felt like we were drowning. (One patient was circling the drain while our other one was somehow waking up and trying to pull his tubes and get out of bed despite being maxed out on propofol, attempted a versed drip, IV Ativan... You name it). But even the crazy shifts are rewarding and thrilling, and definitely make the time go by quickly :)

Hope everyone is doing well! We need more updates people! :-D

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Working with my first Pedi Trauma pt this week... I SWORE I was going to pass out!!! Skin grafts, reconstruction, drains. This little boy is my hero.

Working in my transition to computer charting. Still trying to keep it all together!

ktliz

379 Posts

Specializes in critical care.

I love this thread! Keep the updates coming!

I am amazed at how comfortable I actually feel being on my own. I remember around month 3 out of my 6 month orientation, I was feeling like I would never be ready. That was the time when I was just starting to realize how much I DIDN'T know. But somehow, it all came together! I feel so lucky to have had such a great, organized orientation, and awesome work environment. I love when I am collaborating with a physician, and feeling totally clueless, and yet they still take my input seriously, lol. I read threads about new grads who cry before work everyday, and I can't imagine feeling like that. I look forward to every shift and every night is a learning experience. :)

Heck yeah, critical care!!!

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