Advice for a Student Extern in MSICU

[sweet_b]

So as the title suggests I am looking for any advice that seasoned nurses, preceptors both current and past, may have for a student extern in the MSICU. I just found out today that I was selected for the position, and I am so excited! I have been eyeing this position since I started nursing school, and I really love this area of work. I am so thankful that I was selected and am grateful for the opportunity.

What sort of things do you look for in an extern or a new nurse?

Would it be ok to keep a small notebook with me, and write down important information?

Is there such things as too many questions? I would rather ask a question that I was unsure of the answer than to just go about thinking it may be the right answer and possibly end up hurting someone.

I have ordered a few ICU and CCRN books for me to look over before I start to become familiar with terms and equipment.

I would love any advice at all.

[ParamedicRN2B]

Congrats!! I was lucky enough to be chosen for an externship in the MSICU last summer, I LOVED IT. Some things that helped me get the most out of it were..

1. Be honest. If you don't know how to do something, about a drug, or a disease. Let them know.

2. Be proactive. Look for new and different things to see, do, and assist with. Look for equipment in use that you don't understand and ask questions about it.

3. I kept a small notebook with me to make notes about things to research further when I got home.

4. Don't be lazy. Offer to help with anything and everything. I got to see many different things just because I helped turn patients, clean them up, or was just being an extra set of hands for the nurses.

5. Be polite and respectful. It speaks for itself.

6. Have fun and soak up all you can.

I externed before my critical care class. I felt like I had a HUGE leg up on a lot of my class mates because of it. Hope this helps. Good Luck

Matt

[sweet_b]

Thanks, so much! All of it is really great advice, and I can't wait to use it!