[EDValerieRN]

Originally Posted by RYNOBLASTER30

Please, I work as a ICU nurse, and we don't need these anal retentive, psychotic nurses. They are the ones who don't leave the patients alone so that they can get much needed rest if that is at all possible. To be honest, they bother patients. Having someone on propofol who is wide awake, because they are afraid that they won't be able to assess them neurologically. Constantly petting, talking to, changing linens for no apparent reason. Come on, give me a break.

I can't figure out what in the world you're talking about. I have yet to meet a nurse, any nurse, especially a Critical Care nurse, who changes linens for the fun of it... and if someone isn't properly sedating their patient, they need education. It has nothing to do with being orderly or proactive.

You seem to be a generally unhappy person judging by your previous posts, so I'm not so sure I should have even addressed this.

[Jarnaes]

If you want to see OCD in full effect, come by the operating room... OCD rules this area. We are considering installing a Lexapro salt lick at the front desk... or maybe some aerial spraying of Paxil.

[nurse-lou]

Originally Posted by RYNOBLASTER30

Leave the cleaning to the housekeeper, and the stocking to the stockers. You should be taking care of your patient, not doing every one elses job.

When you workNights in a small community hospital's 6 bed ICU like I do, I AM the housekeeper and the stocker! And on Night shift, I am the Respiratory Therapist as well.

[christen13]

I need to respond because I think it is NOT ok, to treat someone badly and use the excuse that you work in a stressful environment. Doesn't that make it a bit more stressful!!
Nurses sabotoge themselves constantly, and It is my biggest complaint about our profession.
We serve no one, not ourselves and certaintly NOT our patients when we have this belief.
I see this all the time in the ICU, and will never fully understand it. Being rude to another nurse for WHATEVER reason is NEVER justified because you are "right" or have more expereince...even if you are an ICU nurse.

[northparkgrad.]

I have been working in SICU/trauma unit for so many years and yes, icu nurses can be anal about leaving their pts room clean and everything else in order. But, thats what you need in an acute setting such as icu-be organized and in order. Its not a place to take for granted, and be easy on things.
I'm sorry if you feel like you are being berated by your supposedly "mentors". . .don't take it personally. Take it as a critique of your performance. . . .be challenged by their critique. You maybe saying their attitude is not conducive for learning(for a new icu nurse like you). ..or you are afraid to approach them for questions. Dont stop asking questions, thats how you will learn. Take a big step in caring for the most acute pt, thats how you learn. Go in when there is procedure to learn(even its not your pt). Ask for help( instead of waiting for help) and offer your help. I think you will get their respect when they see that you are willing to learn. Some new nurses act "all knowing"-and thats not what seasoned nurses wants to see. Humility in what we do helps us learn and helps us to care. I love ICU, particularly SICU, CVICU, Trauma unit. . .I precepted, and mentored,. . .and i'm still learning everyday. I hope you will also find that critical care passion. Don't let icu nurses with attitude stop you.

[blueheaven]

Originally Posted by nurse-lou

When you workNights in a small community hospital's 6 bed ICU like I do, I AM the housekeeper and the stocker! And on Night shift, I am the Respiratory Therapist as well.

LOL I know that feeling. Some of the best years in nursing I spent working in a 6 bed community hospital ICU. In that situation...you do it all (more so at night!) It has been my experience that you have to have a bit of OCD in the ICU setting, otherwise equipment etc. would never be where you need it when you need it.
The original poster-sounds like you may need a different preceptor. Is there any way to change? Maybe a different ICU. Sounds like if your hospital has a separate SICU, must be large enough to have other ICUs. Maybe CCU or MICU may be a better fit. Different depts. have different personalities. Just a suggestion.

[ICUadmirer]

When I was on orientation, one of my well seasoned-on the way to retirement- preceptors told me this:

"Listen to them, and do what the hell you want to do"!

Boy does it work...as long as it falls within your scope.

You don't have to be or behave evil spirited to get good results. But you do to get high blood pressure, like the rest of them.

[BULLYDAWGRN]

I think it's sort of silly making open statements like that. Please all icu nurses have ocd.... give me a break...You might as well say having Geico.com make me less of a caveman.

[ICUadmirer]

LOL

[elizabeth321]

I don't work ICU but just about every other area of nursing...I too keep my patients neat and tidy as well as their bedside....I keep them well medicated with lots of time for rest....I have nurses who say...man do you ever stop? If I am ever sick I want you to be my nurse....it rubs some people the wrong way...mostly because I make them look bad.

Liz