Thoughts on/advice for new grads in Neuro ICU please...

Hello, I did actually start out as a new grad in a Neuro ICU unit. I have been there for a little over three months now. I am going to be honest with you, it's VERY difficult. You come out of school knowing the basics, enough to keep you safe. But trust me...........we know nothing essentially. I have never felt so totally ignorant as I did the day that I stepped out onto the unit for the first time. There is so much to learn, so many meds to manage, and then the patient acuity to consider as well. I love working my job, but it's very stressful at this point because I personally feel so out of my element or comfort zone. I have been told numerous times that I needed to be patient because it takes new nurses at least a year to a year and a half to feel comfortable in ICU. If you have already started , let me know how it's going. I'd love to hear from you.

jobs in the neuro ICU when you graduate?? Where the hell do you guys live?? I just graduated in May and I couldn't get a housekeeping job in an ICU around here right now...
Consider yourselves extremely fortunate.

Any updates??? I will be graduating soon and I am also interested in Neuro ICU, but of course shaking in my boots because it seems so challenging.

Neuro is great....you'll love it....starting out in the ICU means you'll learn the "right" way.....just make sure that you become as competent as you can be with the interventions your hospital does....study up on procedures and ICP monitoring....don't assume, always ask.....if YOU think there is a change make sure you chart it...even if it is a simple one...it can mean A HUGE difference.....good luck....neuro is fun as well as complex...

cheers