New SICU Nurse Resident

Specialties MICU

Published

Specializes in TSICU, Renal Transplant, IR, Cath Lab.

Hi everyone,

I will graduate this May, and I just accepted an SICU residency in a large teaching hospital. The competition for these positions is very stiff, and needless to say, I'm beyond excited! I am a mid-life career changer, and this has been my goal since I started nursing school. I quit my full time management job in another industry last summer to accept a student position in this same hospital and was often assigned to work in the various ICU's, which confirmed to me that this is where I really want to be. However, now the reality of it is starting to set in, and I worry that there is so much that I just don't know. I mean I've done very well in school, including a precepted clinical right now in a CCU at another facility, but the reservoir of knowledge required to be a competent ICU nurse is staggering. I'm working very hard and trying to learn as much critical care information as I can on top of my remaining school, boning up for NCLEX, etc. I also realize that the residency program, which by the way is outstanding, and the unit itself, produces ICU nurses that are second to none. And the teamwork is excellent; the experienced nurses are always there to back you up, but still... I am more than a little anxious. I just don't want to miss something critical and allow a patient to come to harm because of my own ignorance.

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Specializes in Surgical Trauma Burn ICU, Oncology.

the real learning & knowledge that you'll use in the ICU as a new grad won't come until you're working as a new grad in the SICU. promise. i am 8 months into my job in the SICU/trauma/burn ICU as a new grad and even though ppl told me this same thing time & time again, i didn't realize how true it is til now!

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Specializes in TSICU, Renal Transplant, IR, Cath Lab.

Thanks for the encouragement. I've heard the same thing, and I DO believe you. The learning curve is steep, and it will take time and hands-on experience. I just want to be as well prepared as possible to minimize the risks for my patients in the meantime, so... no spring break for me -- LOL!

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icufaqs.org for introductory need-to-know information.....especially as a new grad.

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Specializes in TSICU, Renal Transplant, IR, Cath Lab.

"icufaqs.org for introductory need-to-know information.....especially as a new grad."

Man, this is great stuff! Thanks!

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