[ScapulaSpatula]

I'm a GN just got accepted into a Magnet Hospital in the States for the ICU position. The critical care orientation at this hospital is called the "nursing residency program" that lasts six months which is something new they started back in Jan, 07. Here're the few questions I have in mind after going through last week's hospital orientation:

1. Are there a lot of nursing residency programs out there nationally and internationally?

2. Are there any tips any of you would like to share with GNs/ newbies working in the critical care setting (all that dos and don't dos)?

3. What's the average length of orientation program for a subspecialty nursing field? I feel fortunate to have chosen this program as it's six months instead of three months. Is there any research studies on GN competency in relation to the length of job orientation or medical errors?

I'd appreciate your input on this one!

[Lisa CCU RN]

I am about to begin working at a hospital that has a 12 month ICU orientation.

[cardiacRN2006]

Originally Posted by ScapulaSpatula

2. Are there any tips any of you would like to share with GNs/ newbies working in the critical care setting (all that dos and don't dos)?

3. What's the average length of orientation program for a subspecialty nursing field?

Yep. For me, the hardest part wasn't the nursing part, per se. It was the paperwork part. I would suddenly have a pt that needed to be transferred to another facility, or have a pt death. There's tons of paperwork for that.

So I gathered the paperwork and put it in my little bag that I carry as a reference. I would put all the paperwork for a pt transfer (EMTALA, etc), I made a death packet, I wrote down all the supplies I'd need for certain procedures. For instance, what do you need for a bedside transvenous pacer placement? Or swan insertion? I'd have all that info handy. It will be a little while before you know everything off the top of your head.

Get a good reference book so you can look up things when needed.



My orientation was 6 months long as well. It's more than enough time. You'll be fine. Welcome to the unit!

[ScapulaSpatula]

Right on, thanks for the insights. I just got Kathy White's Fast Facts for Adult Critical Care booklet hoping it'll be as helpful as people seemed to agree in this link: http://allnurses.com/forums/f30/need...ook-63896.html

Also, found this link's content superb:
http://www.icufaqs.org/

Another question on CCRN, I know it's recommended that a minimal of two year (full-time?) clinical experience would be benefitial before taking the exam. I'd love to hear more from those who've already passed/ studying for it just so I can have a better idea what to expect in the following two years working on the unit. Thanks much!

[Lisa CCU RN]

Originally Posted by cardiacRN2006

Yep. For me, the hardest part wasn't the nursing part, per se. It was the paperwork part. I would suddenly have a pt that needed to be transferred to another facility, or have a pt death. There's tons of paperwork for that.

So I gathered the paperwork and put it in my little bag that I carry as a reference. I would put all the paperwork for a pt transfer (EMTALA, etc), I made a death packet, I wrote down all the supplies I'd need for certain procedures. For instance, what do you need for a bedside transvenous pacer placement? Or swan insertion? I'd have all that info handy. It will be a little while before you know everything off the top of your head.

Get a good reference book so you can look up things when needed.



My orientation was 6 months long as well. It's more than enough time. You'll be fine. Welcome to the unit!

That is an awesome idea!