Best critical care book

Published

I have three three years experience as an ER nurse and I'm really getting the itch to try ICU. One year experience at a trauma 1 and 2 years at a trauma none. I'm just wondering if there's a book that I could read to help prepare me? Any other ER nurses out there switched to critical care have any advice or success?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

From a NP point of view (but this would also be super beneficial for a RN) the go to book for CCM is Marino's The ICU Book.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Check out ICUFAQS to start.

This is a clickable list of FAQ files that we wrote for new RNs coming into our MICU as orientees.

Can now get info in book form Notes on ICU Nursing: FAQ Files from the MICU

:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Anesthesiology.

I have yet to find a SINGLE ICU nurse that can explain or answer many simple questions in regards to normal human physiology. I recommend getting a good physiology book and really reading it. Not one of those A&P books from your undergrad nursing course, but an actual real physiology book like Constanzo, Guyton, or even BRS Physiology. If you don't know how the body works at a cellular level for normal physiology you will NEVER understand how certain pathology causes problems in the ICU.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
PaSSiNGaS said:
I have yet to find a SINGLE ICU nurse that can explain or answer many simple questions in regards to normal human physiology.

(I agree knowledge of such things is important, and maybe that has been your experience with scores of ICU nurses in your 10 years as a CNRA, but you have to know that sounds *ridiculously* pretentious. Just sayin.')

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Anesthesiology.

(I agree knowledge of such things is important, and maybe that has been your experience with scores of ICU nurses in your 10 years as a CNRA, but you have to know that sounds *ridiculously* pretentious. Just sayin.')

I agree the way I came off wasn't the best. I do stand by my statement on the importance of physiology. Many RNs struggle with the concepts.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in anesthesiology.

The best book I've ever read was "Rapid Interpretation of EKGs" By Dale Dubin. I've read it multiple times and still reference it from time to time. When I worked in the ICU I had a large book from the AACN that was entitled something like "advanced critical care nursing." I figure a book from the AACN is legit. The ICU book from Marino was a little over my head at the time, so I didn't buy that one. That is designed for more advanced providers, but if you can understand it then go for it. It's just not "nursing" specific

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

How would you characterize these? :Constanzo, Guyton, or even BRS Physiology

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Anesthesiology.

Guyton - the bible of physiology (very dry and a lot of material), unless going into a PhD for physiology I wouldn't read this cover to cover, use to look up more detail if Constanzo doesn't cover it

Constanzo - amazing physiology book with a lot of detail but watered down compared to Guyton

BRS - review book, excellent after you've read Constanzo

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I bought the Guyton and Hall Pocket Companion and read that. It distills the material down into the high yield "need-to-know" information. Very manageable.

Then get the Pocket Companion to Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. Again, smaller, shorter, more manageable.

I also recommend the "... made ridiculously simple" series. It makes the material incredibly easy to understand - and remember. I was put onto it by a medical student studying for her boards.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment