[RNNPICU]

I am starting on Monday as a brand new PICU RN, and new grad RN. I just passed my boards . We are going to be reading from Mary Fran Hazinski's Manual of Pediatric Critical Care as one of our main reference and training books. My question is, how good is the manual and how helpful will it be. My training period will be 6 months with a preceptor and courses by the nurse educator of the unit.

Thanks for the help in advance - I am looking forward to starting in the PICU. It will be a great challenge

[weekend warrior]

That is an excellent reference for PICU nursing! Good Luck !!!!!

[spinningRN]

I am also a new grad who will be starting in PICU this month. Does anyone else have any good book or reading suggestions?

Thanks so much!

[Jolie]

There is no better PICU text that I'm aware of.

Best wishes!

[Redneckmedic63]

I went to PICU straight from school and have loved it from the first day! Congrats! And no text beats Hazinski - all of us bought it on our own. Good luck - enjoy the kids!

Joe

[janfrn]

Another reference I've found useful is the AACN's Core Curriculum for Pediatric Critical Care. Good luck!

[RNNPICU]

Thanks for the advise. My book came today. We just finished central nursing orientation, tomorrow I go to the PICU and meet my preceptor and begin the PICU classes. I am looking forward to the learning.

[rngrad06]

I am a new rn grad and am currently working in an adult ICU, 22 bed unit. I have just applied for a NICU position online at an area Children's hospital. I shadowed there several times on my own time and fell in love w/ the facility but was not hired for any of the positions I applied for after graduation. I am considering the change for several reasons....
1. The hospital where I am currently working for the past 8-9 wks offer a "required critical care course". I was told about this course when I was offered the position, but was not told that it would be at my expense until my 4th wk of orientation. The catch is that you have to sign an 18 mo. contract to the hospital or pay $1500 out of your own pocket. That just hasn't set right with me since the day I heard it. It's a 10 day course (8hr. days) of which I am paid while I attend. I don't think that 18 mo. is a fair bal. for 10 days of training. I think what upset me most is that they were not completely upfront about it at hire.

2. I've had a bad orientation experience. My first 8 wks I was on day shift and I bounced around to 6 different preceptors. I don't think they purposely set out to give me a bad orientation, it just happened. I was ready to quit when I transferred to nights as a last resort. I have had a wonderful preceptor there for the past 3 wks, but still am not happy. I just don't think this particular ICU is a fit for me.

3. I have a strong interest for pediatric nursing.


Any advise out there.....This course starts Oct. 2nd and each day I come closer I cringe even more at signing such a long committment, especially in a facility that I'm not sure I want to stay.

[RNNPICU]

rngrad06:

My orientation has not been like that. I have been with a couple of different preceptors, but it was because my primary preceptor has had to be charge nurse, but she always came up to me and checked on me. I actually have enjoyed having different preceptors because you learn different techniques. When I originally signed on at the hospital were I work I had to sign on for a year - which wasn't a problem because I wanted to work at the hospital. With regards to a critical care class, we have classes once a week for three months for all new grads, not just critical care, and then we have special classes for PICU. I really like this style because we will get a break from the PICU and get to take some classes and learn more, not just hospital based.

[CRNAwanaB]

Everything is negotiable. Go to HR, mention your interest and desire to stay with them, but you do not want to be tied down for 18 months. Mention the nursing shortage (nicely) and that there are lots of other jobs available. Tell them you will take the job only if the contractural agreement is removed. They are not vested so much in you that they are risking a lot by doing so. Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement that racks thousands and only have a 6 month retention contract (as I am doing now). Play nice and be firm in your convictions.