Any tips for a new grad starting on an intermediate care unit

Nurses New Nurse

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Hi. I am a new graduate nurse, I passed the NCLEX in June and had just 3 interviews so far. The one that I am excited about is coming up on Monday Aug. 27th. This will be the 2nd interview at this particular hospital. It is for an Intermediate Care Unit. I am a little nervous about this position. I have worked in the medical field before going to nursing school. I worked as a Medical Assistant in a clinic. Granted I had my clinicals in nursing school, but I don't really know what to expect on this type of unit. I catch on very fast and I am a great learner, so I am up for this challenge, just a little apprehensive. I really want this opportunity, especially being my first nursing job. Any hints, suggestions or advice would be much appreciated-hopefully to calm my nerves a little bit.

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Hello, I would suggest starting out working on nights, if that accommodate your lifestyle. That way you will have time to develop a routine. Also, find a kind nurse who is very experienced to use as a resource.

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Thank you much, the position is actually a 7:00 p.m.to 7:00 a.m. I never worked 3rd, but I think it will great for learning as you stated. Thanks for the input, I am hoping that I do find an awesome preceptor nurse, that will make the transition so much easier. Thanks again!!!

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become a sponge and ask questions. becuase it always ends up that the question you should have asked was the one you didnt. youll be able to tell which nurses wont help and which ones will. be very good and appreciative to the ones that will. learn and listen, safety first and youll be fine

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Specializes in Public Health Nurse.

GOOD LUCK! I wished to start in such a unit myself....anyone hiring? ;-)

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

When I was a new grad, I started in an intermediate ICU/PCU also. Like the previous posters said, ask questions and find someone who will take you under his/her wing. I carried around a little pocket memo book where I wrote down things that I could reference quickly: drips, vent settings and problem solving with them, certain protocols, phone numbers. I used it everyday until I knew it well enough that I didn't need it anymore. I also developed my own "brain" sheet to keep track of my patients and the tasks I had to do. Organization is key.

Best of luck to you!

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Thanks for the tips, I will definitely do that. Writing down things always helped me in school, so that is a great suggestion. I am also going to check out a bookstore for a little pocket book that may have info regarding cardiac rhythms, vents and such. Nervous, but ready for the challenge. I have heard that the training is great at this hospital, so that is a plus. I'll keep you updated and again, it's great to hear someone else started on this type of unit and SURVIVED!!!!!!

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I recently started on a PCU as a new grad. The biggest adjustment for me was definitely time management. Each day gets easier to develop a routine. Try to follow other nurses besides your preceptors to learn how they work their day out and take what works best for you. So far it has been an amazing experience and I cant believe how much I have learned. Good luck!

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Specializes in Public Health Nurse.

I have yet to start a job as a nurse and I already see that time management will be an issue for me. Is this a common feeling among new graduates before they even start a job, or am I seeing a weakness that I truly have?

I see this because for example, the best studying I do is when I am outside my house. If I study at home I find myself easily distracted to the TV, computer or reading, and it takes me awhile to get certain things done (i.e. housework).

If this is an issue for me, I would like to know how to start working on it as I would love to do critical care someday (soon rather than later would be nice).

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I did get the job, start on Sept 10th. I think it is going to be amazing, but still a bit nervous!!!

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Time management is an issue for all new grads. It is a common feeling most new grads have before they start a job, and it IS a weakness you truly have. Use a "brain sheet" and write everything down. School doesn't even come close to adequately preparing you for the work load you will have as a nurse, and it's the rare person who can remember everything "off the top of their head" without writing stuff down.

As far as studying at home -- my house was never so clean as it was when I was procrastinating about studying!

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Specializes in Public Health Nurse.
Time management is an issue for all new grads. It is a common feeling most new grads have before they start a job, and it IS a weakness you truly have. Use a "brain sheet" and write everything down. School doesn't even come close to adequately preparing you for the work load you will have as a nurse, and it's the rare person who can remember everything "off the top of their head" without writing stuff down.

As far as studying at home -- my house was never so clean as it was when I was procrastinating about studying!

Thank you Ruby...I love to make notes and I have not issue carrying a little pocket binder.

I was hoping for a "magic pill" if you will to make this weakness go away....LOL.

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