[TampaCCRN]

Hi!! I've worked ER/Trauma for the last two years now fresh out of nursing school. I'd like to try my hand at ICU. Any suggestions on how to prepare myself? I know that basics when it come to acid base balance, fluid and electrolytes and initiating vasoactive drips, but by the time I can actually gather everything up to take a closer look, it's time to ship them to the unit. You know the ol saying... if you don't use it you lose it. I guess I really just want to be able to interpret everything a little quicker.

[nesje30]

Hi,
I'm kind of in the same position as you are, just out of nursing school and starting on the icu. I've been looking around a lot and well there's some info on the website of the american association for the intensive care nurses
feel free to mail me anytime
vanessa

[MICU RN]

Chill, there will plenty of time to learn what you need to know to become a proficient ICU RN; I spent 3 yrs in a level-one trauma, inner city, ER and then went into a MICU, all as a RN. Icu is different but it is all bedside nursing. Try to pace yourself and not digest too much at once, find some good mentors RN and MD and enjoy the process of learning. Almost all our sick MICU pt.s came from the ER I worked in, so it was not tht big of deal. Now SICU, is a bit different, your ER back ground does not come into play as much when dealing with a fresh heart or trauma pt. .