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

Specialties Critical

Published

Hello everyone!

I'm starting this topic for any new grads or new to the ICU. I think it will be good to come here to compare notes, encourage, vent and support each other. I am extremely nervous and excited at the same time.

My orientation will be 10-12 weeks and my main goal is to be a safe and competent nurse. I start out on nights which I'm kind of happy about since it will be a little slower paced and perhaps easier to learn.

I will be in MICU/SICU, anyone else starting new?

Finished my first week on the floor, yesterday was my first 12 and today is my first payday as a nurse :)

I was shocked at how fast 12 hours went by, and how many little things interrupt your day. Each day I'm doing things I hadn't done before, and trying to remember and process everything. Everyone is sooooo nice and helpful-I really am so lucky that my unit/hospital system is so supportive. I can't tell you how many times I've been asked "do you need help, do you have question, what can I do to help you" it is so nice to feel supported and not alone!

I was so nervous about working in icu and wondering if I'd be in over my head and I have to say I'm so glad I'm here-I couldn't imagine being on another unit! Now-off to find ways to spend my first paycheck!!!

Awesome monkey! I'm so glad everyone is having a great time.

I had an awesome day today, just felt in my groove. Part of me wants to stay with my preceptor forever and ever amen, but my independent streak is itching for freedom! I hate being micromanaged.

Great thread. I recently just started in the CVSICU. So far so good. I'm really enjoying it but I'm having a hard time dealing with my stress and anxiety outside of work.

I have trouble sleeping at night thinking about work. Thinking about bad scenarios and how I would handle them.

Any advice on how to deal with the stress?

Specializes in Critical Care.

Maybe trying to find a hobby and exercising which gives you endorphins!

Great thread. I recently just started in the CVSICU. So far so good. I'm really enjoying it but I'm having a hard time dealing with my stress and anxiety outside of work.

I have trouble sleeping at night thinking about work. Thinking about bad scenarios and how I would handle them.

Any advice on how to deal with the stress?

I had the same exact thing in my first week or two! All I can say is it passed for me shortly. :) welcome!

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Great thread. I recently just started in the CVSICU. So far so good. I'm really enjoying it but I'm having a hard time dealing with my stress and anxiety outside of work.

I have trouble sleeping at night thinking about work. Thinking about bad scenarios and how I would handle them.

Any advice on how to deal with the stress?

Don't forget to leave work at work...I meditate and do yoga, as well as read. I exercise on my days off as well. Get plenty of rest too!

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it. I know it'll keep getting better. Just have to give myself time and stay positive :)

Hey Everyone!

I've been an RN for about a year. I've been a M/S float for a year and now that I'm only a month and a few weeks away from my BSN graduation I'm going to be moving to a ICU Float position. I'll be doing MICU, SICU, CVICU, Step-down/intermediate and eventually BMT and Solid Organ Transplant. I've always wanted to be in Peds and I would still love to in the future, but I know that this will be a great experience and a wonderful learning opportunity. I'm so excited and I can't believe that I start in less than two months!

I was recently offered a position for step down icu unit but known as SCU (special care unit) for this hospital located in upstate NY. I am a new grad RN BSN May 2012. It is hard finding a job in NyC as a new grad

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Welcome Jean and Sherlucky!!!

Hello:)

So far my experience is going well. Working on time management and the "little things," that really aren't so little, like remembering to check labs. The ICU I work in is not state of the art or particularly organized so I spend a lot of time making 3 steps in situations that should take 1. As an agency nurse who has been all around my area stated " they work harder not smarter here." That has been a challenge to work through. Anyone else working in a semi disorganized ICU?

I wouldn't say our place is "disorganized" so much, as not streamlined. There are too many checklists and failsafes we have to put in place. Such as all ports must be capped, lines and pumps labelled for 1. Identity and 2. Expiration, chart here and there. It's getting better, and I understand the point in all of it, but it's a lot of little things to forget.

I have three more weeks and then I'm getting kicked out the nest!

+ Add a Comment