[KayceeLeeRN]

Hey all...I'm trying to figure out if ICU is for me:

Honestly, I get REALLY anxious at the thought of my patient going bad or coding...the thought makes me sick to my stomach. BUT that is because I feel like I wouldn't respond correctly. That is part of the reason why I want to go into ICU. I would like to challenge myself to get over that and become comfortable and confident in my skills.

I am VERY detail-oriented, driven, organized and assertive (when it comes to my patients). Currently, I'm doing homecare and I am supervising HHA's (I have med/surg background) Its ALL PAPERWORK!! I miss NURSING! I miss that one on one time (bathing, dressing changes, PEG meds etc.) I LOVE that part of nursing. I hate the politics.

I think this is why I am interested in ICU...the one on one time. I think I would be kick a$$

SO, my question is....What makes a good ICU nurse???

[PMFB-RN]

Hey all...I'm trying to figure out if ICU is for me:

Honestly, I get REALLY anxious at the thought of my patient going bad or coding...the thought makes me sick to my stomach.

*** Well it's going to happen. Maybe, depending on the type of ICU you work in, it may happen frequently.

BUT that is because I feel like I wouldn't respond correctly.

*** You won't at first. Just yell for help and watch what the experienced ICU nurses do.

That is part of the reason why I want to go into ICU. I would like to challenge myself to get over that and become comfortable and confident in my skills.

I am VERY detail-oriented, driven, organized and assertive (when it comes to my patients). Currently, I'm doing homecare and I am supervising HHA's (I have med/surg background) Its ALL PAPERWORK!! I miss NURSING! I miss that one on one time (bathing, dressing changes, PEG meds etc.) I LOVE that part of nursing. I hate the politics.

I think this is why I am interested in ICU...the one on one time. I think I would be kick a$$

*** SOunds like you will. Especially the assertive and detail oriented part. Are you willing to stand up to a senior surgical resident and tell him no when you know he is doing the wrong thing with you patient? Are you willing to call the attending in to protect your patient?
Like all nurses ICU nurses must be advocates for their patients only more so. SOmetimes you will KNOW your patient is heading down hill and be blown off by the resident on call. You have to be willing to call and wake up the attending at 3 AM. We operate with more than enough autonomy to get ourselves in a lot of trouble if we are not careful. We have a saying in our ICU. "Save the patient first then get an order to do it".

SO, my question is....What makes a good ICU nurse???[/quote]

[KayceeLeeRN]

Anyone else???? Anyone???

[RNFELICITY]

I think a good ICU nurse is very detail oriented and a whole lot on the anal side...lol.
You have to think outside of the box and be able to connect the dots even when they go in a circle. You are challenged daily. Your heart is broken often by the loses but you just keep coming back.

Personally, I am an adrenaline junky and I love the codes and the excitement although initially, I was terrified.

I think if you love direct patient care and you are willing to push yourself to grow and learn...I say go for it.

You will know if the fit isn't right for you.