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by laurasc

I'm poised to make the HUGE leap from doctor's office nursing to ICU. I have one more interview next week and unless I really mess it up badly, I think I may have the job. I worked in the ICU 15 years ago and needless to say my skills are a bit rusty.

With that said, I would like to know if there are any Canadian magazines, books or even online resources that I could use to help me along. I've found some stuff but it's all American and although I have nothing against Americans, I'd like to find something Canadian.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[sailornurse1]

That is a huge leap! Do you feel a few magazines, even if Canadian, will do it for you?

[JMP]

Yes it is a big leap- BUT there is a shortage of ICU RN's and if you are willing to take it on- they will take you on. A good orientation program ---8 weeks at least will get you back in the saddle again.

Usually new staff are given "chronic" pts in ICU for the first 8-12 months, at our facility. In ICU, as I am sure you remember, if you are not sure.......just ask, never be afraid to ask anything.

I have not come across any good Canadian critical care mags- I would recommend a critical care course, if there is one near by at your local college- we have a one year program here and it helps.

The willingness to do this and the ability to think critically are your two best skills----everything else will follow.

Good luck JMP

[laurasc]

Originally posted by JMP
Yes it is a big leap- BUT there is a shortage of ICU RN's and if you are willing to take it on- they will take you on. A good orientation program ---8 weeks at least will get you back in the saddle again.

Good luck JMP

8 weeks?? Wow, according to them I'm only getting 4 weeks due to my experience. They do require me to take an ACLS course at a nearby hospital though. It's supposed to start sometime next month.

I did find one quick reference book mentioned in the MICU discussion board here which looks interesting. It's called "Fast Facts for Adult Critical Care" by Kathy White. But since some Canadian standards and practices are different from the US, I was wondering if there was anything else. I'm the kind of person that likes to dive into new things and have lots and lots of really good reference material around, KWIM?

Thanks

[lalaxton]

Having worked both sides of the border I have to say there is little difference in guidelines/standards in ICU nursing. So I find US references just as good. There are differences in standards of measure (eg. Cholesterol in Canada is measured in mmol/l and in mg/dl in the US) and some meds are not found in the other country or are called by a different name.(eg Dramamine in the US and Gravol in Canada) I remember even studying for my CRNE with an NCLEX book!

The big difference you will find is more at the administrative/policy level.

Good luck with your new job!

[laurasc]

Originally posted by lalaxton

The big difference you will find is more at the administrative/policy level.

Good luck with your new job!

Thanks for the info. Does that Fast Facts book look any good to you?

Ultimately though, this may end up being moot in light of what went on during my first interview. (I posted about it in the General board.) I'm having some very serious second thoughts on taking that job.

Thanks again,

[lalaxton]

The Fast Facts book does look good but I have not personally seen it before.

[Janet Barclay]

Hi, welcome to critical care. :hatparty:
Thelan is a very good text book, The Journal of the CACCN is a good reference (also a good organization), a pocket guide to ECG's is a must, and Mark Hammerschmidt's on line guide is quite good, escpscially for beginners. he has quite a few posts in the ICU sections.
Good Luck, Janet

[agoddess]

Originally Posted by laurasc

I'm poised to make the HUGE leap from doctor's office nursing to ICU. I have one more interview next week and unless I really mess it up badly, I think I may have the job. I worked in the ICU 15 years ago and needless to say my skills are a bit rusty.

With that said, I would like to know if there are any Canadian magazines, books or even online resources that I could use to help me along. I've found some stuff but it's all American and although I have nothing against Americans, I'd like to find something Canadian.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Good luck!!! If you can read you can learn anything. Get the orientation package from the hospital as soon as you are hired and start studying. I am sure your orientation will prepare you for what is ahead. There are wonderful resources from the RNAO, with specialty groups, ie:critical care. Check the website - wish we had more of you willing to take the jump!!!!