A sufficient ICU orientation (internship)

[PMHNP10]

So if an experienced m/s tele nurse would like to explore the world of critical care, how long of an orientation would be appropriate? What length is iffy (i.e., certainly not an excellent orientation, but not quite short enough to give a signal to a prospective nurse to run for z hills)?

[slcpicu]

Good Question.

I would say that 2-3 months is probably enough. BUT with that in mind. I would have to say the acuity of the patients this nurse oriented to would have to be pretty high to feel comfortable with a true critically ill pt. There are many other factors, but that would be the one I would be most worried about. Some things that you only see in the icu setting will take time to learn and to feel comfortable with. I think anything shorter than 2 months with no previous ICU experience would be somewhat worrisome to me.

[PMHNP10]

my understanding is that the nurse wouldn't take on any CABG or balloon pump patients until after a year; I've also heard the acuity isn't as high as other hospitals and that often the MDs leave pts. on the unit because they don't want them on a medical floor (I hope my MD has the same philosophy, should I or a loved one become critically ill); I'm sure this MD practice isn't uncommon to many hospitals; as for the acuity I mentioned, who knows if that is an accurate statement; the nurse I chatted with also said there was a time not so long ago that the nurses were often getting "tripled" due to short staffing, but now they are staffed much better, so that's not such an issue; but it can become an issue again, although according to the nurse, the director is good, so maybe they'll retain a few nurses

[rn2bn07, BSN, RN]

I came from a cardiac tele floor, only one year experience, and my orientation on a MICU floor consisted of a critical care internship which consisted of lecturing and test. During the internship, I also was orientating in the unit for 12 weeks. So altogether the whole orientation was for 3 months. Then once on my own, I felt comfortable in some situations, in others not so comfortable. But the nurses knew that I wouldn't totally feel comfortable so they were there to help me with everything. Admissions and discharges were challenging because I didn't get that many during orientation. Learning the vents, computer system and monitors takes time, with enough practice. I have been on my own for almost 6 months and now I am feeling a little confident. Before then, I was like BOOHOO:crying2::crying2: everyday.