[Sassybottom]

Hi,

After working a couple of months, I have come to really respect my charge nurse who is an ICU trained/ employed nurse. She seems to know everything and is just so calm and competent.

I have come to realize that I would someday like to go through the same training she has gone through and work in the ICU as well.

What sort of things do you suggest I do in order to help prepare myself for my goal?

How much experience (ball park) do you suggest I undertake before thinking about applying to ICU training programs? Would it be helpful if I gained experience on a surgical floor? Currently I work on pure medicine/ tele floor.

[SICU Queen]

Why wait? Look for a hospital that has a new grad training program, or apply for a position and explain that you're very interested in working ICU and would like to be oriented.

Meanwhile, assess yourself. Are you organized? Can you multitask well? How about your drug knowledge? Start doing some studying up on ICU-type IV drugs like epi, dopamine, neo, etc. Begin a learning process now.

Good luck!

[meandragonbrett]

I would say dive in head first. That is the best way get into the unit. If you want some reading that covers some of the basics of the unit, check out www.icufaqs.org They have several resources there that offer a good basic overview of swans, vents, alines, pressors, labs, etc. Good luck!