[cpillow]

My friend, you are not supposed to feel comfortable as a critical care nurse. There should always be a level of discomfort, always a slight lingering fear that something could go wrong, and always something that you don't know. Yes, you won't feel as uneasy as you do now forever, but comfort... I worry about the nurses that get "comfortable". Those are the ones who think they know it all, and don't. Who miss things at the patient's expense, and who fail to consult with their peers when they should. My true hope for you is that you never feel "comfortable", that you're always on your toes and ready for the "other shoe to drop". Be challenged, be passionate, be on your toes, and don't lose the edge that got you into the ICU to begin with.

[Michigan RN]

That's pretty true. My preceptor told me that people think they can go to ICU and have their two patients and sit around and its not that way at all. You really do have to be on your toes because a patient can crash at any moment.

[SFRN]

Hi,

To the original poster, I hear ya. I came from 2.5 years in the neonatal ICU to an adult surgical cardiac ICU and it has been a BIG change, literally! I started a training program and have been off orientation and on my own for approx. 2 weeks...I go to work and feel overwhelmed sometimes--so like others have said usually a year before you feel "comfortable" that is how long I anticipate it will take me in an adult ICU. Good luck! Remember always ask questions if you are unsure of something!!!

[Bronx1560]

I would say I didn’t fell comfortable until about 1 year in the ICU.

However, I had about 5 yrs of Med Surg experience on my belt when I decided to take the plunge. I’ll be honest, with 8yrs of nursing experience & 3yrs in ICU anything could still surprise me & I’m learning everyday.

What’s important is your patient’s safety & health. Anything can happen in the ICU & from my experience I have yet worked in an ICU that other staff members didn’t help you out when your pt’s crashing. Even when I was deployed. Hell my head nurse has come out to help with a codes or take pt’s when staff is low. There’s no time to be peddy when there’s critical pt’s around.

Life is precious especially when you have 18-30yrs coding on you.

Keep asking questions, Keep reading, and Keep mastering those skills. Just be the best nurse you can be for that patient whose life is in your hands.