I'm starting this topic for any new grads or new to the ICU. I think it will be good to come here to compare notes, encourage, vent and support each other. I am extremely nervous and excited at the same time.
My orientation will be 10-12 weeks and my main goal is to be a safe and competent nurse. I start out on nights which I'm kind of happy about since it will be a little slower paced and perhaps easier to learn.
This is a great idea! I graduated with my ADN in December 2012. I just finished the class/lecture portion of my ICU internship today! I start on the floor with my preceptor this weekend. I'm in an Intermediate ICU (ratio is 3:1). I'm very nervous but excited! Still trying to focus on my new job and my NCLEX! I plan on ordering the Kathy White Critical Care little notebook soon. These other resources sound great too.
Here ya go. Mind that it is what I used during my ICU preceptorship in school, I don't work in the ICU now. It has been passed around here privately tho for a few years. . It's EPIC-based and specific to one unit, but take a look and design your own with your kind of stuff on it.
Page 1 and (2 or 3) are to print back to back. You will fold it vertically. Page 2 or 3 are versions you might use to take report or to take report and have a prep for interdisciplinary report if you will have one of those - you know, with the big shots, in the big conference room. In those reports you don't want to say, "ummmm I don't know" you want to take 5 min and write crap down before that meeting happens so you can glance down and get your info when asked, being new and all.
Yes it's got big training wheels, but you can change it how you want it to be and soon you might get where you don't even need it.
I am currently in a three month program that my hospital runs for RNs who get hired for ICUs... Starting week 3 tomorrow.
I'll start new in the ICU at the end of April. I don't know yet which one... MICU, SICU, or CCU, as the positions are awarded by seniority -- I have just shy of 5 years med-surg and mental health experience with my hospital. Hoping for SICU, as I've been working on a surgical floor the past few years and would love to have *some* kind of familiarity so I'm not terrified all the time!
I'm currently drowning in readings about mechanical ventilation for my course... Sooooo many types and modes... Anyone have a clear/easy to understand resource for them? My textbook might as well be written in Swahili
Looking forward to bouncing stuff off each other in this forum...
I'll be starting in SICU this coming Monday! I'm so nervous but excited! I was told we would be getting some overflow from Burn ICU, Neuro ICU, and MICU.
I look forward to reading everyone's progress, including my own
I have been looking into resources, and I have been looking at icufaqs...I plan on getting the ICU book, and I'm currently refreshing my memory with assessment. I was told it's important to fine tune your assessment skills before going in.
Just a note on the Pass CCRN book if you plan on getting it...don't get the 4th/new edition yet, the CD with questions that come with the book doesn't release until April/May!!
Started this week, first day in Nursing classroom. Had a Math test...instructors were fabulous, got a 100 on the exam!!! I got to get my PICU binder. I will be in nurse residency 1 day a month. My unit also has a mentoring program as well. So far, so good!!! :)
. It's EPIC-based and specific to one unit, but take a look and design your own with your kind of stuff on it.
RN_wannab
12 Posts
This is a great idea! I graduated with my ADN in December 2012. I just finished the class/lecture portion of my ICU internship today! I start on the floor with my preceptor this weekend. I'm in an Intermediate ICU (ratio is 3:1). I'm very nervous but excited! Still trying to focus on my new job and my NCLEX! I plan on ordering the Kathy White Critical Care little notebook soon. These other resources sound great too.