NEW GRAD ICU RN

Seems it would be less stressful to get all those basics, as well as learn cardiac monitoring and emergencies, on a stepdown unit first. Our new grads are so overwhelmed with a gazillion things to learn in ICU all at once. The ones who at least got the basic stuff down ahead, are much cooler and calmer, and can make decisions with less help. But if you're motivated enough, then it probably wouldn't matter. One other thing, if you did have floor or tele experience first, it makes it a lot easier on you when you start floating out to those areas. It's pretty traumatic to go from being used to a 2-patient assignment, to floating to an eight-patient assignment (# of pts. depending on which floor and how short-staffed they are!)But much worse if the nurse never had that 'volume' experience at all.

Go for it.


I came out of school to the CVICU eight years ago and it was the best move I could have ever made. It jump started me in the right direction, I worked there for 2 1/2 years, then worked for a CV surgery group as a RN first assist for five years. Now I have spent the last 7 months in a CRNA program. I just would like to say that I do not think my "organizational skills" have suffered. The kind of organization you need to work in the unit you have to go to the unit to get.

Good Luck and DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. - that why you been bustin' you hump in school for the last 4 yrs.

Hi All-

In regards to new grads in ICU, can anyone suggest reading materal or self-study guides for ICU that can be utilized while in nursing school? I would like to have some basic foundations layed before starting preceptorship to be able to utilize that time to it's fullest. I start nursing school this fall and am looking forward to my new experiences.

Hello...We have an excellent program at the school that i graduated from...as a student, i was in an emersion program...i worked in the ccu with a preceptor for six months as a student, in conjuction with all of my other classes...for the first three months, i worked 20-40 hours a week and for the last three months i "worked" full time on my preceptors schedule....this was great because i got a chance to meet the staff, learn what goes on in the ccu, and get familiar with swans, art lines, vents etc in a learning environment. I also took BLS/ACLS as a student. When i graduated, i took a three day critical care class, did a month on days, two months on nights before i was "on my own". Everyone that works is my buddy....i ask all kinds of questions but am feeling more comfortable. the learning curve is steep and each day i learn something new each time i work. i am about six months out of my orientation at this point...

Hello...We have an excellent program at the school that i graduated from...as a student, i was in an emersion program...i worked in the ccu with a preceptor for six months as a student, in conjuction with all of my other classes...for the first three months, i worked 20-40 hours a week and for the last three months i "worked" full time on my preceptors schedule....this was great because i got a chance to meet the staff, learn what goes on in the ccu, and get familiar with swans, art lines, vents etc in a learning environment. I also took BLS/ACLS as a student. When i graduated, i took a three day critical care class, did a month on days, two months on nights before i was "on my own". Everyone that works is my buddy....i ask all kinds of questions but am feeling more comfortable. the learning curve is steep and each day i learn something new each time i work. i am about six months out of my orientation at this point...

I see this is an old/revitalized thread. Just want to add that not all hospitals are set up to be able to accept a new grad into ICU and do a decent job of teaching them, and this is something for new grads to keep in mind.

I'd suggest a new grad go into this venture only where a reputable critical care course is offered..using both classroom and OJT and a period internship following... several months at least.

Hospitals around here Hartford CT/Springfield MA most have 6 month new grad ICU orientations including classroom and on the floor training.

I liked your response

I am a first year grad nurse, doing a rotation in the OR. These include being in the Recovery room, anaesthetic nursing, scouting/circulating and scrubbing/instrument nursing. Although I am thinking seriously about going into ICU next year in July when the ICU opens in the hospital where I work, I feel that this rotation had helped me in terms of airway management, anaesthetics, infection control, etc. which will still come in invaluable in the ICU. My half year rotation in the surgical ward also helped me to be confident with IV skills etc. So, every bit of clinical skills help, I reckon.

It is great to read that seasoned ICU nurses are keen to embrace the newbies.

Just wondering your experience level before you started working in the ICU?? It really does not matter whether it is a new graduate or experience nurse, it's about the individuals willingness to learn. I believe nurses in speciality areas tend to forget they also had to start somewhere in the learning process. I currently work PICU and they hire both new grads and experience nurses which seems to work out okay.