[huggietoes]

I am a new GN and will be beginning in the ICU next week, I have finished 3 weeks on a surgical floor, however, have never been to the unit. I was thinking the best way to approach my orientation was to just observe/shadow the first day to get the lay of the land. Is this the right thing to do or should I just start off taking patients?

[cheerfuldoer]

Huggietoes...congrats on becoming a GN...I know you are anxious to get that nursing license, too!

I believe that when you get to the Unit, you will be assigned to a Preceptor, or a staff member who will orient you according to the floor policies for that unit, etc. I doubt if you will be able to just make the decisions right off the bat as to whether or not you get to do this or that. Show up with a smile on your face, a willingness to listen, learn, and apply what those seasoned nurses show you...forget your textbook learning TO AN EXTENT...because now you'll be in the REAL WORLD OF LEARNING...and all seasoned nurses know that most patients are far shy of being a classic textbook patient. Be open to learning...don't fight it...and you'll do just great! I wish you all the best, too!

[BadBird]

I suggest you go with whatever your preceptor has in mind. Ask a lot of questions and don't be afraid to because even the seasoned nurses do not know it all but hate to admit it. Good luck