Changing from OR nurse to ICU

Ilovethe80s · Aug 23, 2014

Hey Bronze,

I did exactly that; I worked in an OR mainly circulating, scrubbing once in a while, for 3 1/2 yrs, but then took that big step to transition to the ICU. It is a HUGE change. I just finished 8 weeks of orientation and this past week has been my first week off of orientation. I honestly don't have any good books to recommend. I bought critical care made easy (I know, what an oxymoron), which didn't help tremendously. I did, however, learn a lot just by googling everything. I came across this website "icufaqs" and it is awesome! I also watch a lot of videos on youtube by Michael Linares and have listened to podcasts from newnurseblog.com. All of these people are critical care nurses.

My adjustment to the ICU has been good and bad. The unit I am working in has poor morale and high turnover, so I'm trying to block that out and just focus on my patients. On the bright side, though, I have learned so much and I enjoy taking care of patients on this level. I can't lie, it's tough and intimidating going from the OR to the ICU, but you can do it! Keep a positive attitude and ask questions. This has been kind of a scary journey for me because OR circulating is SO completely different, but I try to read, watch, and listen as much as I can.

We give a lot of vasoactive drugs in the ICU and those drips can be intimidating, but if you have a good grasp on what beta and alpha receptors do and how those drugs stimulate or block the actions of those receptors, it will help you tremendously. I work in a surgical ICU and we deal with a lot of head trauma and of course those good ole ex-laps! Fun stuff. Lots to learn and do. Definitely check out icufaq's! Best of luck!

RNKX · Aug 23, 2014

Just checked out icufaqs website! I am sooo happy you mentioned it! It is a wonderful and very informative site!!

maricleveland · Aug 24, 2014

Hey ilove80s! Thanks so.much for the input. I have been looking over the icufaqs website- makes me nervous because I realized how much I forgot since nursing school lol. But I feel like if I don't make the jump now- i will be OR lifer. But it's so good to hear from someone in a similar situation as me. Thanks again and good luck

Larry3373 · Sep 15, 2014

I highly recommend the YouTube.com channel medcramvideos. I am a new to the icu nurse and the videos on shock, dka, hypoxia, blood gases, etc are extremely helpful and some of the best explanations I have ever heard.

google110220345 · Sep 15, 2014

s?a ch?a di?n l?nh t?i hÃ* n?i >> 0936416582

maricleveland · Sep 15, 2014

Thank you!

emilyewrn · Sep 17, 2014

The PASS CCRN book is amazing (regardless of whether or not you plan on ever taking the CCRN), highly recommend it. It explains different critical care disease processes for each system, explains their etiologies/pathophysiology, signs/symptoms, nursing interventions, and treatments. It is very concise and well organized, as well as up to date! I started in SICU about 4 months ago and this book really helped me to be successful. When I got home from work I would just look up whatever issues my patient had.

maricleveland · Sep 17, 2014

Thanks!

pmb04 · Oct 25, 2014

First of all, I applaud you for making a big change in your nursing career. It's very easy to get pigeon-holed into one aspect of nursing, and I think it's great that you want to learn and try a new field in nursing. I transitioned into the ICU from the OR 3 years ago and have no regrets. I still remember my orientation because it was rough! I had zero bedside nursing skills because I started as a new grad in the OR and was there for 2.5 years before moving to the ICU. So I told my preceptor to treat me like a new grad. I definitely had my doubts during orientation as to whether or not I could handle it. I would come home exhausted, and during my shifts i would run to the bathroom just so my preceptors/coworkers wouldn't see me cry because it was very stressful. The first year was the most challenging. But i persevered, I agree with previous posters - icufaqs.com is a great resource. I also listened to critical care podcasts on my drive to work, and googled anything I wasn't familiar with. I only recommend using Pass CCRN for when you start studying for the CCRN exam. It is way too detailed and overwhelming to try to tackle as a brand new ICU nurse. Ask questions as much as possible, attend inservices and M&M's. Make sure your preceptor advocates for you to take on the sickest patients on the unit.

Some of your OR skills will come in handy especially if you're working in a SICU. You know the surgeries, dressings, implants, anatomy probably more than your coworkers because you've seen it firsthand. Also, if there's an emergency bedside procedure, you can set up the room and surgical field in a snap, and set up the bovie or argon.

How long is your orientation? I would ask for at the minimum 10 weeks to work alongside your preceptor, especially if you've been in the OR for 6 years. Is your hospital making you take a critical care course? Best of luck to you! You will do great. You seem very motivated and maintaining that attitude will help you to be a competent ICU nurse!

CTRN'11 · Oct 26, 2014

I was in the OR for two years and now am on an ICU step down floor in hopes of someday going to the ICU. I question myself everyday if I can make it on this floor! It's definitely hard and I feel like a new grad but the other nurses that I'm starting with feel the same way so it's comforting knowing that I'm not the only one that feels this way! I realize it will take time before I feel comfortable but I wish it would come sooner than later! Lol good luck to you and let us know how it goes!

scrubulator · Mar 24, 2015

I am in the same boat as you! I am looking into ICU from OR and want to know what I can do to get into the ICU whether its knowledge about the critical care side or certification. Keep me posted on what does help you get there and best of luck!!