Seeking advice from those who have completed a critical care nurse residency

calivianya, BSN, RN · May 14, 2015

If your residency is worth anything, you shouldn't really need many extra materials up front. Mine involved class time, and I have two 2" binders filled to the brim with power points from the classes covering diagnoses, meds, etc. - probably at least 300 pages of printed material they went over in detail. You may need more specific stuff down the road, but as far as the bare bones stuff you will need to know immediately, your residency should handle that. Free resources like icufaqs.org are great to visit, but I wouldn't advise buying anything right now.

That being said, if they give you the power points or whatever ahead of time, definitely read them before you come to class, just like you would for nursing school. Bring coffee if you are prone to getting sleepy while someone is lecturing if you do have a class component. They are going to throw stuff out hard and fast, and the bonus to that is they are teaching you how YOUR REAL JOB does things and your real job's policies, instead of how NCLEX world does things, which is awesome!

If you did not become proficient in plotting/interpreting tele strips in nursing school, you should definitely review that. Play with this awesome simulator until you've got them down in your sleep - it's what got me past my cardiac test in med/surg class.

Good luck. :)

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · May 14, 2015

I have developed and managed many ICU transition programs over the last few decades - LOL.

PP is correct - you'll be given a ton of materials to study. If your instructors suggest any supplemental stuff, go for it - but otherwise, it shouldn't be necessary to get any extra references. Equipment-wise, you'll want a GOOD stethoscope... ask the instructor to recommend a model for you. You may want your own EKG calipers & EKG ruler.

But the MOST IMPORTANT thing? Make sure to take action to prevent the worst thing that can happen - coming to the end of the program only to be told that you didn't do well. ...... So, this means you need to get a copy of the objectives/goals & timelines/due dates for the program as well as the criteria that will be used to rate skills/accomplishments. Memorize these. This is how your progress will be evaluated. Take responsibility for keeping track of your own progress. Each time you perform a skill - make sure you're 'checked off'. Ask for feedback at least weekly so you always have an accurate understanding of how your performance is being evaluated. If you need extra help or additional practice, don't be shy - ask for it.

Congratulations on your new job! You're going to be great.

Dranger · May 14, 2015

Learn SBAR down pat so you don't look like an idiot calling the pulmonologist at 3am

The rest of the info residency should prepare you for. CCRN is for later.