I don't know squat

codebluechic, ASN, RN · Nov 8, 2001

Kewl, don't give up. You'll be amazed at how much you pick up after just a short time. I remember starting in CVICU and not having a CLUE what levo was! I look back on the notes I took then and laugh because I know that stuff inside out now! That's why it was a PRE test.:)

prmenrs, RN · Nov 8, 2001

Well, at least you know where to start studying!!! :eek:

YES, YOU CAN TOO DO IT!!!!

hoolahan, ASN, RN · Nov 8, 2001

Mark Hammerschmit's site has tons of excellent critical care info on it. I don't have the link, but look for one of his posts. Also, do a search for some ACLS practice sites. You can do it!! But you do have to study, that's all. You will never be able to apply it all in such a short time, but it will all come together, give yourself a good 6mo to a year to feel comfortable in this environment. Good luck!!

When I first started in the CTICU years ago, I heard a doc say a pt was "damp". I very discreetly ran my hand up his arm and thought, he doen't feel diaphoretic to me. Turns out, when they were fresh post op, "wet" meant chest tubes were dumping a lot, and on day 2, wet meant a congested CXR, needs lasix. So, damp, in this case, meant CT's were a little wet! Talk about feeling like a stupid a$$!!! And I came from a critical care unit!! Just a whole different world in the CT ICU!

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Nov 8, 2001

Mark's ICU pages

Here's the link, don't say I never did nothing for you.

CATHYW · Nov 8, 2001

As the others have said, Kewl, now you know where to intesify your studies. Not every aspect is difficult, so just buckle down on the areas giving you grief. :rolleyes:

Before you know it, you'll be precepting some wide-eyed innocent. Maybe you'll remember what this is like, unlike some folks we've all known and chatted about here.

I don't know you from Adam (except for your posts) but you just don't seem like the kind of guy to settle for mediocre. I'd bet money that's why this is bothering you so much!

Good luck, and remember, we are all pulling for you! :)

Jenny P · Nov 9, 2001

Hey Kewl, it's tough to get knocked down a few notches when you're studying a new area or field in nursing. Just remember that you can do it, and that most of those ICU nurses don't know squat about the area of nursing you are coming from (ortho?). My suggestion is to eat the humble pie but study hard, and remember you CAN do it.

One time when I took my CCRN exam I was feeling like I didn't have to study too hard (I'd taken it and passed so many times before-I thought I knew it!) so I didn't study until just a couple of nights before the exam--- BIG mistake! The exam was really tough, and I thought I had probably flunked it because it was so tough! I did pass, but it taught me a lesson that even though I've been in critical care nursing for so long, things keep changing and I have to study on an on-going basis to keep up with the changes in critical care.

Some people may find it easier to stay current in their particular nursing areas, but I do need to read and study-- I'm not able to absorb the info by osmosis!

So, work on your weak subjects, and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!! :D And welcome to ICU-- I hope you enjoy it!!!!!