Old dog learning new tricks!

Specialties MICU

Published

I'm a 25 yr seasoned nurse with 16 yrs critical care experience prior to the last 9 yrs which have been spent in other areas because of a "normal" schedule. I had small children. Now after 9yrs, my kids have grown up and are able to take care of themselves. I am now going back to ICU on nights. My family is in agreement and want me to do what I want now. Well I'm going back to my love! Am I crazy???? I have lots to learn but it's as one nurse told me, the equipment and drugs may change but good ol' nursing care never changes. Any advice for this old nurse??? (Only 46y/o but.......)

Thanks,

Janie :clown:

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The basics don't change much. It sounds like you are prepared to feel like starting over, so be kind to yourself. Welcome back. You will do fine.

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Check out icufaqs.org. It has some great information that will likely be a good refresher for you to the unit. Welcome back to the unit! Enjoy it.

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Specializes in Post Anesthesia.

46y/o + 25yrs in nursing-16 in critical care. The biggest asset you bring to the unit is maturity and judgement. The drugs didn't change that much but what is expected of nurses may be dependant on where you worked before. Some words of caution:

From thier prospective you are still the new kid on the block and will have to learn the ropes just like everyone else. Even the kid with 3mos on the floor may be able to teach you something new. Pretend you know nothing.

With your experience it is difficult not to assume the preceptor role instead of the orientee role. I've known many experienced nurses who made lousy staff because they were too experienced to pay attention during thier orientation. Pretend you know nothing.

Don't let management rush your orientation. Even if you are open to learning form people with less years in patient care than you, management seems to feel that they can throw you into staffing at the drop of a hat. Just say no!!!! You are entitled to the normal orientation time of any experienced nurse.

Don't get discouraged if you can't cut it on nights. If it has been a few years you may find night shift more difficult than you thought. I recently tried to orient a nurse with 25 years in my field at a much more advanced hospital than the one where I work. From 1900-2300 she was great...knew more than I did about drips/drugs, but after 1am she became a zombie. It still kills me that I had to tell her she wasn't ever comming off orientation. You may have to search this forum for tips for adapting to nights just like a new grad. If it dosn't work out be honest with yourself and try 3-11 or part time.

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Thanks for the advice girls! Susanna, thanks for the advice. I definitely don't want to alienate anyone right off the bat! Meandragonbrett, thanks for the website. It's awesome! There's lots of great stuff that's a really good review on there. RNperdiem, thanks for the encouragement. Actually thanks to all of you for the encouragement. Sometimes, I can't believe I'm doing this but I am and I'm happy about it!

Thanks again!

Janie

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