Peds ICU advice

[newgrad03]

Due to sheer determination and a few connections I was lucky enough to land a job in the PICU at the top children's hospital in my region as a new ADN grad.

I'm not nervous really. But I'm wondering if anyone who has worked in that setting has any advice or resources.

I have worked some in a Peds ER and I did really well in my Peds and OB clinicals, but obviously this is a whole different animal.

Thanks in advance.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

ASK questions! Constantly until you understand. Buy a copy of the Essentials of Pediatric Critical Care and read, read, read, read. Practice your weight-based dosing math until you are proficient. Then keep practicing.

I've been a nurse nearly 40 years, practiced in a lot of settings. PICU is by leaps and bounds the most challenging practice environment I've ever experienced.

[newgrad03]

Thanks for the advice, especially the book recommendation. I'm really excited for the challenge. I told them to give me their toughest preceptor so I'm ready when my time comes.