ICU nursing to much for new grad?

[jobear]

I have approxiamately 12 weeks to choose a preceptor site. I prefer organization and one on one care. That is why I am thinking of ICU. Is it possible for new grads to work in ICU, and more importantly would I be in over my head? Any experienced replies or suggestions would be greately appreciated. Please reply ASAP.

[nrsjo]

I went to ICU as a new grad 7 years ago. After 3 months I was hoping I didn't pass the boards, just so I wouldn't have to go back to work. I felt helplessly lost on many of those days. But, I had some great nurses to work with, who had a lot of knowledge, and were used to new grads. Orientation was 6 months long. I took a year before I felt comfortable in what I was doing. And while I will always have questions, I have no regrets about going there as a new grad.

[goldilocksrn]

Although there are a few shining star nurses that have a natural gift of good patient care, I would say ICU is the last place a new grad should start. I think nurses should first learn to recognize those subtle changes with their eyes, the chart,and their instinct before moving to the ICU where equipment does much of that for you. I think telemetry is the place to start, where you can learn heart rhythms, ACLS protocols, manage a team of patients and learn time management. After 2 years or more, you could probably safely move on to a new area. In ICU, you would be learning so much at one time, and on the sickest of patients. Good luck!!!