[mudget]

I am a new grad in the ICU and just want to know who (if anyone) felt supported on the unit in the beginning. I know that I could be a great ICU nurse if I had the least bit of encouragment, but it's not forthcoming at all (...trying not to whine, but...). I am interviewing elswhere tomorrow but really regret the thought of leaving my chosen field so early. I welcome any thoughts...
Thanks
M

[RNperdiem]

It depends on what you mean by "supported". Everyone was polite, answered my questions as best they could, and did their work. I did not encounter any hostility, neither were the nurses throwing confetti for me.
I had one year of med-surg when I entered ICU, so my expectations of the other nurses were realistic.

[ptadvocate81]

I had this same issue when I began several months ago. I teched for four years where I work now and thought that the transition would be a fairly simple one- not so... Some of my coworkers shut me out once I graduated, backed off and acted as though they'd wait to see if I was going to sink or swim before maintaining a friendship with me. I was hurt and disappointed, but it has gotten better over the past months and those who shut me out in the beginning are warming back up, but they are not the ones that I seek out for help. I am sorry that you are experiencing this, but it does get better. Best wishes on the next job...

[cardiacRN2006]

I feel like I was supported totally, each person did this in thier own way. Some nurses supported me by being kind when I asked for help, some came to me and offered their assistance, and some would keep an eye out for me. If there were procedures to be done, I was always asked (expected) to do them. Some pushed me when I felt like I couldn't handle any more, and I actually appreciated that the most. My educator was always on the floor looking out for more things for me to learn, and my manager always made sure I was happy and comfortable.


All and all, I feel like I chose the right unit!

[JT RN]

I think it all depends on the hospital you work at. I've been on new grad orientation in ICU/CCU for just over a month now and couldn't be happier with where I'm at. All the nurses, physicians, pharmacists, managers, etc. are awesome, open to questions, and great about teaching (instead of giving the "annoyed" short-answer, which doesn't help anybody.) This was probably the most important thing I looked for during interviews. I passed on several positions (including a huge scholarship that I'm now repaying), and apparently also took a huge pay-cut compared to my friends who are also new grads, when I chose this hospital. A month later and I have no regrets. You can't buy good co-workers.

Hang in there, mudget. Critical care is inherently tough, especially for the new grad. I have a background in biology and several years of healthcare work under my belt, but I'm making my share of mistakes, while learning & RE-learning everything I thought I knew.

My advice. 1) Find 1 or 2 good nurses you can go to with questions, 2) bring a critical care textbook & drug book to look things up during downtime just to reinforce your learning, 3) write things down thru out your shift that you want to look up later (intubation meds, ACLS protocol, surgical procedures, diagnoses etc.)

You sound confident about your abilities, so take it and go with it. Don't let those burnt out nurses get you down. You've got a good foundation, but it'll take years of experience and a proactive approach to your personal/professional growth to become great. Good luck to you.

edit:
I'll add a fourth piece, something my preceptor told me from day 1... speak confidently, even if you're not, just fake it. Don't be pushy, just confident. It's the attitude of "I want to be here, I want to learn, and if you help me out, I'll become a great nurse." This usually helps you sift out the "downers" from the "supporters."

[caroladybelle]

It depends on your idea of support.

Many experienced nurses, especially in the high presssure specialties, do not comment unless something is really wrong. Quite bluntly, excellence is expected in those environments, and unless you fail that, little response is given. While that may be distressing to you if you are used to a lot of feedback, it often means that you are doing well.

I have worked in many environments, where the best compliment is no comment at all. I will receive sterling reviews from staff that I initially felt noticed little about me.

Also, ICU tends to be fast paced - many do not feel the need to comment on a fellow nurses care.

Ask a preceptor/senior nurse that you trust to or your manager to give you some feedback?

[proclivity]

Originally Posted by mudget

I am a new grad in the ICU and just want to know who (if anyone) felt supported on the unit in the beginning. I know that I could be a great ICU nurse if I had the least bit of encouragment, but it's not forthcoming at all (...trying not to whine, but...). I am interviewing elswhere tomorrow but really regret the thought of leaving my chosen field so early. I welcome any thoughts...
Thanks
M

I think it is time to "buck up" and get your *ss in gear with opening those books again. I recommend reading through your critical care nursing book and then your pathophysiology book. Review heart rhythms the entire time and make flash cards of lab values for absolutely everything.

Good luck to you.......all you need to do is catch up to the knowledge base of the nurses on staff. Not really that hard at all. Also try and find new skills to perform on the unit whenever possible.


(p.s. I have already been doing this and i haven't even started orientation for my ICU job.......YOU CAN DO IT!!!!)