[moonischasingme1]

Hi everyone,
I figured I would ask the opinion of experienced ICU nurses.
I am able to pick where I do my preceptorship last semester because I got a high score on my HESI.
My dilemma is whether or not I should go to ICU or telemetry (or maybe step down). I know I would like to do ICU when I graduate, and I had a wonderful experience in the CSICU, but I am wondering your opinion on doing preceptorship while in school? Would I even be competent enough or would it be a wasted semester?
I think when I start working at this hospital, they will put me in telemetry and then when I am ready, I will go into the critical care internship program.
Thoughts? Opinions? Any similar experiences?
Thanks.
-Nicole

[caliotter3]

I did my final semester preceptorship in the ICU and found it to be very rewarding as far as my general interactions with the staff and patients went. There were some aspects that were not appropriate but that was not due to the fact that I was in the ICU or the personnel that I was learning from. I would recommend it to anyone who is considering going into this area after graduation. We also had students who did preceptorships in the ER.

[moonischasingme1]

Originally Posted by caliotter3

I did my final semester preceptorship in the ICU and found it to be very rewarding as far as my general interactions with the staff and patients went. There were some aspects that were not appropriate but that was not due to the fact that I was in the ICU or the personnel that I was learning from. I would recommend it to anyone who is considering going into this area after graduation. We also had students who did preceptorships in the ER.

Thanks! Did you start in ICU after graduation?

[moonischasingme1]

Well, I don't know if anyone will read this, but I decided on CSICU.
I am excited, but also nervous that I will look dumb or the nurses will have too high expectations of me.
Any tips?
I don't want to look like a complete idiot.

[BBFRN]

Moon,

You are expected to ask questions- so don't feel like you'll look like an idiot. The new nurses that always scared me and my coworkers were the ones who didn't ask questions, or acted like they had nothing to learn. Don't worry- you'll be fine.

[deeDawntee]

Hey Moon!!

Good for you!! Lets start at the top! Wait until you see your first fresh heart come in from the OR! It is a sight to be seen...

Good luck, ask questions, don't make anything up and stay calm!!!