Calling all new grads/new to the ICU starting Feb. 2013!!!!

etymed · Jan 29, 2013

Hi Chicago,

I just started an ICU internship this Sunday. I'm rotating through CICU, MICU and then SI and Burn. So far I really love the cardiac area.. the nurses are so knowledgeable and friendly.

Are you an ADN or BSN graduate?

- Etymed

C H I C A G O_RN · Jan 29, 2013

I am a BSN graduate. By internship do you mean you are still a student?I did my preceptorship in a large cardiac ICU and loved it! However, I am glad I was placed in the MICU/SICU in order to gain a broad knowledge base rather than just limit myself to one specialty area.

C H I C A G O_RN · Jan 29, 2013

I see from a previous post you graduated! So what have you done to prepare for the ICU? I'm definitely a little scared but I think that's normal.

monkey2008 · Jan 29, 2013

Hi guys!

I'm a new ADN grad starting in feb for. 6 month micu/sicu internship. After my first month of training, I switch to nights as well. Best of luck everyone, I think this thread is a great idea.

etymed · Jan 29, 2013

Hey - yeah I graduated back in December from an ADN program and since the end of Sept. I had applied to 50 or so ICU positions for new grads. I lucked out with mine and am really impressed with their training program (the internship). My preceptor is really great and lets me ask him any question I have.

This sounds stupid probably, lol, but don't forget your stethoscope. I was so caught up in remembering my ID that I forgot my stethoscope the first day.

Mainly I'm trying to study for the NCLEX which I take in 2 weeks. However, I have bought a few books that I am going to be reading once I have more of a chance. I bought them on the recommendation of numerous threads I read for ideas (mostly here on AN):

* Hemodynamic Monitoring - Darovic

* Critical Care Skills - Mims

There are a couple others that I can't remember right now. Also if you don't know of it yet (though it's mentioned like wildfire around here, and for good reason): icufaqs.org

If your preceptors turn out to be like mine, just ask a lot of questions and they will see that you are determined to learn. They'll ask you questions in return and you'll realize stuff from 5-10 minute discussions that you never really 'got' all through school!

C H I C A G O_RN · Jan 29, 2013

Hi guys!
I'm a new ADN grad starting in feb for. 6 month micu/sicu internship. After my first month of training, I switch to nights as well. Best of luck everyone, I think this thread is a great idea.

Nights is definitely going to be a huge adjustment! 3 days a week of working nights and then 4 off which I feel I would use one of those days off sleeping most of the time, there goes a wasted day off! However, as mentioned, I think there will be a little less pressure.

C H I C A G O_RN · Jan 29, 2013

Hey - yeah I graduated back in December from an ADN program and since the end of Sept. I had applied to 50 or so ICU positions for new grads. I lucked out with mine and am really impressed with their training program (the internship). My preceptor is really great and lets me ask him any question I have.
This sounds stupid probably, lol, but don't forget your stethoscope. I was so caught up in remembering my ID that I forgot my stethoscope the first day.
Mainly I'm trying to study for the NCLEX which I take in 2 weeks. However, I have bought a few books that I am going to be reading once I have more of a chance. I bought them on the recommendation of numerous threads I read for ideas (mostly here on AN):
* Hemodynamic Monitoring - Darovic
* Critical Care Skills - Mims
There are a couple others that I can't remember right now. Also if you don't know of it yet (though it's mentioned like wildfire around here, and for good reason): icufaqs.org
If your preceptors turn out to be like mine, just ask a lot of questions and they will see that you are determined to learn. They'll ask you questions in return and you'll realize stuff from 5-10 minute discussions that you never really 'got' all through school!

I really hope I luck out like you and get a great preceptor, I think it will make all the difference!

I purchased the books you mentioned above as well as the ICUfaq book on marks website. I also purchased:

-Kathy whites critical care app (kind of pricey for an app but totally worth it!)

-the ICU book (geared towards physicians but heard great things)

-Manual of critical care

-critical care made easy

I also downloaded these podcasts which are fantastic!

-The new nurse podcast

-ICU rounds

-EMcrit

Before I start I think I just may look over basic things and go heavier when I start orientation.

C H I C A G O_RN · Jan 29, 2013

The nurse that does the podcast also has a blog, seems really helpful! Here is the linkhttp://newnurseblog.com/about/

FlorenceNtheMachine · Jan 29, 2013

I'm a new grad in the ICU as well!! Nice to meet everyone!

I am having a great time right now, lots to learn. I think Esme said something about making drug cards for the most popular drugs given in the unit, which I will be doing very soon. How expensive was the Kathy White app?

Good luck to you all! Lets keep this going, I'd love to see how everyone progresses through their orientation.

C H I C A G O_RN · Jan 30, 2013

It would be great if we kept this going throughout our orientations and starting off on our own! Maybe we can also share new things that we've learned that we probably didn't in school.

The Kathy white app I believe is roughly $30 and there is a small binder form that cost $40 which I like better.

Esme's Idea is a really good idea, I may have to try it.

what ICU will you be starting on?

C H I C A G O_RN · Jan 30, 2013

deleted due to double post