General ICU test

Published

I would like to know the best way to study for a general ICU and pharmacology test. I have to take it before I get hired. I have two years of med/surg experience only. Any suggestions,,,,,

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

The only difference between med/surg and ICU is the use of IV vasopressor, IV vasodilators, Anti-arrhythmics, inotropes etc. I mean I would just review those. IF it is just a med test I would think you would need to know the major mechanisms of action and expected physiologic responses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ok I get the different meds for the pharmacology part of the test., but the general ICU questions is what im really concerned about. I was thinking that they will ask about the different lines and tubes such as art lines, ETT ec...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

Sorry I missed the general parts, i only selective read the pharm part - I would just grab a ICU book and read it. If it's just a 'general' test it shouldn't be too in depth, understand basic principles and management and you should be ok.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, it's more than just drugs. They don't use ventilators or invasive hemodynamic monitoring on the floor.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Quality, Cardiac Stepdown, MICU.

If you've never worked ICU before, I can't imagine they'd expect you to ace the test. They have an orientation program, don't they? They probably just want to see where you are. Answer what you can, review what you must, but don't act as if you're comfortable with vents when you're not. This way they can use your answers to tailor your orientation program.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Delphine I agree with you and thought the same thing but unfortunately it was a test prior to getting hired. I failed it of course. The sad part about it is that I did wonderful in the interview and she offered me the job on the spot and they knew my work history of course. The test was too challenging for me..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Quality, Cardiac Stepdown, MICU.

Hmph. I'm sorry you didn't make it, but a place that expects you to be an ICU expert without ever having worked in one, sounds like a place that doesn't want to teach you anything. I'm sure you will find a better fit elsewhere. :-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I talked to the ICU nurse manager and HR rep and they actually agreed that it was to challenging for me. They gave me an med/surg test and I made an 96...so I got the job. Looking forward to learning... Thanks you for your input.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Quality, Cardiac Stepdown, MICU.

Glad you got the job, and welcome to AN!

Just a tip, though, it is STRONGLY discouraged to use your own name/personal photo with your profile. We discuss a lot of sensitive stuff on here, and you don't want to be traced back to your employer. ;-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion