Student nurse in the Lions den

[mountainjc]

I'm a RN student in my final semester for my ASN. This semester we are doing our preceptorships. I am so excited because I got my first choice and dream job the ICU! I'm also really nervous because we haven't had any clinicals in a critical setting so I was hoping to get some advice on some skills I should brush up on or equipment to familiarize myself with before I start. Any advice would be more than helpful! Thank you!

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

Icufaqs.org is a good place to start. You'll want to read the ones about pressors, sedation, art lines, and central lines, as those are the basic things you will see the most of in ICU. Good luck!

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

I precepted in the ICU as well and I had no experience going in. I was extremely nervous but my preceptor was awesome. I was very honest with her upfront and told her about my lack of experience. By the time I left, I was doing things on my own and was offered a job. Just be honest, don't do anything your not comfortable with, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Enjoy your time!

[EllaBella1, BSN]

Definitely focus on pressors and cardiac rhythms. Be familiar with what normal ranges for labs are. It might be handy to make a little cheat sheet to bring with you. I say to focus on pressors because you don't always have time to look up max doses/titration instructions when you're titrating drips on a patient with a low BP/MAP. The actual skills (setting up a-lines, assisting with central line insertions, etc) can be learned over time and you're not expected to know it all up front :).

[ccer99]

I agree with all of the above posts, and would add reading up a little on vents and vent alarms...what they mean/trouble shooting them. You will do great!