I'm an RN student, scheduled to graduate in May (finally! ), and have accepted a position in an Intensive Care Unit. I'm really excited, but rather apprehensive, because I have no previous nursing experience. Any advice to ease my mind? I've also been told that I will be required to complete ACLS, PALS, TNCC, telemetry, and critical care courses. Any tips in preparing for these classes?

I graduated May 2006 and went straight to SICU after passing boards. I am now 8 months in and still it is overwhelming at times. The best advice I can give you is to be recpetive to your preceptor and LISTEN. Study for you critical care classes and study for ACLS, etc. I got made fun of by some of my co-workers for studying ACLS, but I feel more comfortable in codes and did well during the "mega code" to pass ACLS. Learn the routine of the unit and develop a routine of your own that fits you. It is a difficult transition to make from student to ICU nurse, but it is so worth it!! I have learned (and continue to) so much in the past 8 months. I work night shift and the crew is also awesome. Oh...always, always ASK QUESTIONS!! That is so important. You have a wealth of information in the veteran ICU nurses. Good luck and CONGRATS!! Keep me posted as to how things go for you. :mortarboard: :smiley_aa

I am a senior nursing student, and am externing this summer in the SICU. I was excited to read about a new nurse getting hired into that area. Can you tell me more about it, what types of pts. you see etc. Do pts. eventually go to the MICU once that are stable? Do you get a lot of contact with the families. I love family contact and critical pts.