New Grad in ICU- needs advice!

Hello all-

I just received my RN from a prestigious school of nursing in my area and I just received my first job offer in an ICU. I worked in the ICU as an LPN, and as an LPN in that hospital we took a full patient load, so I have cared for ICU patients before. I also did my preceptorship for nursing school in an ICU, and by the second or third shift I was doing everything for the patients, my preceptor followed behind me to just check up on me.

My concern is, the ICU director told me he doesn't like to hire new graduates at all. He said we will start with a 2 week orientation and then go from there (decide if I need further orienting, ect.). He also quizzed me for 20 minutes on heart medications, ventilators, art lines, Swan-Ganz catheters, ect. He must have been satisfied with my answers, because I start in 2 weeks. However, now I am starting to doubt myself and my abilities.

I am very young (21) and I look a lot younger than I really am. I already get some guff from patients because they don't think I know what I am talking about d/t my age. I am worried about the effect this might have on my patients, and the "stereotypical" ICU nurses... I want to earn respect and do the best I can at my job.

Should I just study up what I can, and then start the job to see if I feel that I can handle it? Is what I am feeling normal? I love nursing. I am completely devoted to it as a career. I do feel like I know my stuff- but I am just doubting myself a little bit. Any advice?