calling all ICU nurses!

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Specializes in ICU.

Hi all,

I applied and interviewed for several jobs this past week and I have received call backs from a few. I actually got a call back on the one I really wanted, the ICU. I had a panel interview where they basically drilled me for 30 minutes to make sure I was a perfect fit. It's a smaller hospital so they have a general ICU/CCU and they get any and all kinds of patients. I'm very excited and nervous. I will most likely take the ICU position just because it's an opportunity of a lifetime especially for a "new graduate" RN. (I do have 2 years LPN experience in and urgent care setting.)

My question is, I won't start for another 2 weeks from now, what kinds of things should I prepare myself for as a new graduate in an ICU position?

Thanks for any information!!

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Specializes in lots of different areas.

Meds used in the ICU-brand name and generic. It would be a good idea to read over the different types. They are very confusing at first. Pressors, sedatives, paralytics, narcs, (and reversal agents) Amiodarone, Cardene, heparin gtts, the list goes on and on. The local library should have a good critical care book for you to check out. It never hurts to get a head start. It will all seem very confusing to you but you will eventually know most of them.

Labs...

What sepsis is, the indicators for it and how to treat your patient and what to expect from the doc.

I could probably write a book but you only have 2 weeks :) Speaking from experience, don't go in on your first day and pretend you know everything....ICU can be terrifying and the experienced ICU nurses expect you to be a little scared. Ask questions! Almost all ICU nurses that I've worked with respect that from a new person :) Plus-it's a great way to get to know the other people you work with. You will need good relationships with them in the near future. Code's go much easier with people you love to work with. GOOD LUCK and congrats!

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Specializes in ICU.

Review your EKG strips and wing it from there. You will quickly know what you have to learn, so relax and come in fresh and full of enthusiasm. Learning ICU takes time and cannot be rushed. (read: Vay-Cay! :cool: )

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Sleep! :)

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Specializes in critical care.

Icufaqs.org! The ultimate, free resource for new critical care nurses.

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I second Icufaqs.... this has been very useful for me :up:

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Review your EKG strips and wing it from there. You will quickly know what you have to learn, so relax and come in fresh and full of enthusiasm. Learning ICU takes time and cannot be rushed. (read: Vay-Cay! :cool: )

A little unorthodox, but this is basically what I am doing. I started 2 weeks ago in the ICU (will be IMU, but doing 2-3 months in the ICU for orientation).

I don't have a clue what I am doing. :)

Well, i do to a small extent, but the amount of charting, vents, tubes coming from every natural orifice and a few man made ones along with the drips is overwhelming.

I luckily have a great preceptor and she just laughed when she asked how I felt I was doing after the first week and I said I feel like my head is about 2 feet under water.

She said my assessment skills, EKG reading and pt/family relations were amazing for a new grad (but I have been a Paramedic for 16 years, so that carried over) and I do have an air of confidence about me (not in a bad way) that she said has impressed other staff. I don't see it but apparently others do.

I am always asking questions and have made a goal to learn a new med or procedure every day.

All I can tell you is you will feel overwhelmed no matter how you prepare. Don't worry, it is normal.

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