I think I was made for this....

Specialties Critical

Published

I just finished my first week of orientation in a combined med/surg/neuro/trauma/ icu, and I think I've found what I was made for in nursing.

Quick background: ltc to med/surg to icu. overall nursing experience 2yrs 4months.

At the end of today's 12hr shift I was physically exhausted(chest compressions are no joke) and mentally overwhelmed by the days events. But looking back I can say I was absolutely amazed. I initiated code blue and started compressions on my patient. Saw an A line, central line and dialysis cath inserted at bedside. Pericardiocentesis, intubation and crrt initiated. Numerous iv drips: levo,neo,amio,vaso,epi,fent,versed. I've got a lot of things to look at from today. More importantly I saw the amazing teamwork and dynamics of the unit I now belong to and how I'll fit in.

I can't wait for what next week will bring and how much more I'll know and learn during my journey to becoming an icu nurse.

Just reading your post got me excited. I hope to be where you are eventually. I'm just taking a more roundabout way of getting there, ha.

Glad you found your niche!

It will definitely be worth the trip no matter what way you take.

Good for you!!! Sounds amazing, but definitely not my thing. Give me psych or wound nursing!

Specializes in None yet..

I can feel the heat of you catching on fire! Wonderful that you are finding your passion. Please keep us posted.

Thanks! Today was a TBI vented patient with ICP monitoring

Specializes in ER, Trauma ICU, CVICU.

Critical care is so rewarding! You really have to use your noggin and think quickly on your feet! You are going to really enjoy the high amount of responsibility and autonomy you will have compared to other specialties. You sound just like I did when I transferred to the unit! It can be overwhelming when you realize how much you don't know. My advice is to purchase a CCRN study book (Pass CCRN worked for me) and read up on your patient's disease processes each night. Study at home and find someone who is more experienced and likes to teach, and you will be very successful! Good luck and welcome to the ICU family!

Thanks!

Good for you!!! :D

I tip my hat to nurses like you...I definitely know none of that is for me. Nope. No way. No thanks!

Physical or mental...one way or another...future "wound" nurse.

Update... Unfortunately my orientation isn't going so well. I don't feel like I'm being taught anything. It's more of a self learning/independent study kind of thing. Don't get me wrong I know I have to learn off the job but it should be reinforced at work.

Essentially I'm being put into staffing in the guise of a 3pt assignment with my preceptor. I'm given the "least"critical patient while they take care of the other 2. Luckily I've kept my head above water and my patients alive. But it's dangerous. My preceptor also tells me that she isn't a good teacher.

I'm the type of person who seeks out opportunities to learn so I keep my eyes open and pay attention, I refuse to fail, I know this is what I'm supposed to do. I give myself homework to do on my days off including a study schedule.

I finally brought this and a couple of other things up to the clin spec yesterday and she seemed genuinely surprised and concerned that this had been going on. She called in the nurse manager and we all talked for a while about how my orientation is progressing. I was thanked for bringing this to their attention and they apologized for the way things have been going for me. I'm hopeful that things will improve.

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