Hello! I will be graduating in May and accepted a position in a MICU to start in August. I've had minimal critical care experience up to this point, and I'm looking for any reliable resources to become familiar with ICU nursing, medications, procedures, equipment, etc before beginning. While I will receive classes during orientation, I'd really like to be able to go in having at least a working understanding of the basics. Free and/or online resources especially appreciated. Thank you!

Hello! I will be graduating in May and accepted a position in a MICU to start in August. I've had minimal critical care experience up to this point, and I'm looking for any reliable resources to become familiar with ICU nursing, medications, procedures, equipment, etc before beginning. While I will receive classes during orientation, I'd really like to be able to go in having at least a working understanding of the basics. Free and/or online resources especially appreciated. Thank you!

There's a website called ICU FAQs, but sadly I've lost the link. Perhaps someone else will have it.

The ACLS manual is a great place to start, because it offers all the information you'll need on codes, emergency drugs, etc. I don't think it's free, but you're going to have to take ACLS eventually and you'll be ahead of the curve.

I'm interested to see what other posters come up with.

Congratulations! I started as a new grad in October of last year, and I found that the CCRN prep book by Barron goes over the most common conditions you'll see, as well as treatments. Other CCRN books may work well, but Barron's is the one I have. Good luck!

If you can only get one resource, get Fast Facts for Critical Care (Kathy White Learning Systems). All four of us new grads who started almost a year ago agree it is the most concise resource on what you need.

Next, check out the EmCrit Podcast (episodes like vasopressor basics, vents, arterial lines, etc. are fantastic for getting the basics down). It is free. Scott does a blog and often has guest speakers who have their own podcasts/blogs as well.

Finally, just google evidenced-based practice articles. Join AACN and read their monthly journals.

Know you EKGs, hemodynamics, and physiology/pathophysiology. The rest you will learn on the unit.

Best pharmacolgy book in my opinion is this book. Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology 6th edition (Lippincott Illustrated Reviews Series): 9781451191776: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com

I would also second ICU faqs! Here is the link: index

I'm currently studying for my CCRN, and I would also highly recommend Barron's.