New to ICU- good comprehensive review book?

Specialties Critical

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Specializes in SICU/TICU.

Hey everyone,

Just got hired into the SICU at my hospital after a year of surg. tele experience. I'm still somewhat fresh out of school but definitely need a refresher. Does anyone have any suggestions on books that may help with my ICU transition? Preferably one that includes a lot of patho!

Thanks

I would find any CCRN review book. It has each body system broken down and it's very specific on patho. For a quick and dirty review that is easy to understand and entertaining to read, go to icufaqs.org. It is full of great info, geared mostly for MICU, but will be just as handy for SICU. I also like the The Little ICU Book by Marino, it's a great bedside resource manual.

Specializes in ER, Trauma ICU, CVICU.

I will echo ChipNurse and say get a CCRN book. The one I used was "Pass CCRN". It is VERY detailed, but an excellent resource. Also, purchasing the book will be your first step to actually earning your CCRN!

Good luck! Keep your head up! ICU is great, but there is a huge learning curve. You are already ahead of the game by realizing you are going to have to put in some hours outside of work studying! I'm sure you will be great!!!!

Specializes in SICU/TICU.

Thanks for the suggestions! I am planning to get my CCRN sometime in the future so buying the book sounds like a great idea.

Specializes in Nephrology.

I'm not a nurse, so please take my advice with a grain of salt, but I really like Manual of Critical Care Nursing by Marianne Saunorus Baird and Susan Bethel. Even as a student, it's not above my level so I can read and understand it and I've found it very helpful. But it might be too basic for someone with experience.

I found the PASS CCRN review book to be more helpful than Kaplan's CCRN. PASS CCRN has great review activities after each chapter (i.e. crossword puzzles), which made critical care nursing more enjoyable to learn!

Specializes in CTICU, Burn ICU, STICU.

the book i utilized through school and in an ICU setting was "the little ICU book of facts and formulas" by Paul Marino. Information saturated but good book.

Specializes in ICU, PCU.

Agree with above, and would like to add "Quick Reference to Critical Care" by Nancy Diepenbrock. Very helpful when you need info fast at the bedside!

Specializes in SICU/TICU.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful suggestions!

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Does anyone know if the content in PASS CCRN changes much with the different editions? I can get a used first or second edition super cheap but want to make sure it will still be a good resource.

I would just be using it for general knowledge at this point as I'm a long way from CCRN eligibility.

Specializes in SICU/TICU.

Just wanted to thank you guys for suggesting the CCRN book. It has honestly helped me so much with learning critical care as far as theory goes. I use it as a supplement to ECCO and my what I've learned on the unit/from my preceptors.

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