New Grad in ICU

[criticalcareRN2B]

Hi All!

Okay, I just graduated in May 2012. I start working next week and this is my first job as a RN out of nursing school so I have no previous RN experience.

I want to know if anyone can recommend a brief list of:

1.)commonly given medications in the ICU

2.)common need to know nursing skills (ie: trach suction)

3.)Any other ICU advice or anything that I should brush up on?

I have looked over ICUfaqs.org but it seems like WAY too many attachments and it seems like it is more written towards the authors own hospital and experience.

I just need a simple breakdown of top, essential, need to know information without having to read through a million attachments like the icufaqs.org website has.

I will be learning a lot in my 3 month orientation so I do not need to read ALOT of information, just some essential advice that I should know before my first day so I don't look like a complete idiot when I don't know some things that I should know through nursing school.

Thank you!

[brandi-lynn]

I would suggest to any new ICU nurse to find a resource pocket book. There's no way to remember everything. I use Kathy White's fast facts. Seems to be the ICU Bible for a lot of nurses. Easy to find information, simply put, etc. Good luck!

[Lali1118RN]

Did not find out yet, very anxious about it. I guess i will email them again next week. Lets see. I will keep u guys posted!

[Rl3232]

What helped me, after every shift I have a list of things I did or saw that I would like to investigate more. Read immediately after shift, to absorb more. Don't do things or give meds you don't understand but after shifts read again about xyz and you will learn even more.

[my_purpose]

Does concept mapping help anyone new grad learn. I find that If I make a list if problems or diagnosis', write down how treated and nursing interventions ( dos and donts) that it helps me to understand the care that I am supposed to provide. Does anyone have other suggestions?

[chelle711i]

This is really great feedback. I'm taking my boards next week, and I have considered applying for CICU. I've always loved the cardiovascular system (best subject in nursing school), so I feel like I'd do fairly well in this area. I would work cardio in general if I wasn't trying to go ahead and get experience under my belt to become a CRNA in the future. I graduated last May, and after taking Hurst and Kaplan, I feel confident enough to take my boards again. Please keep the suggestions rolling!