Guidance for New ICU nurse?

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I'm a second career nurse, mid 40s. Infantry Officer, 12 years pastor, 3 years paramedic, ACLS and PALS certified for 4 years now, finishing my RN. I've just been offered my first job. I start in a Cardio-Thoracic-Vascular ICU in 2 months. What can I do in the next 2 months to prepare? I assume that I'll be tried and tested immediately to see what I'm made of. I can handle pressure. I just want to be prepared. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Welcome to ICU Nursing!

Moved your thread to AN's MICU / SICU Nursing forum. Many threads here with great info.

I highly suggest you visit Notes on ICU Nursing

This is a clickable list of FAQ files that we wrote for new RNs coming into our MICU as orientees.

Easily readable subjects with some humor thrown in, will help you prepare for the unit. Starting Out - New in the ICU

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Specializes in Trauma and Cardiovascular ICU.

Welcome to the field. Former 11B with the 82nd Airborne here. Now Trauma ICU RN for 4+ years.

Honestly, as a new RN, much of what you review won't really "click" until practical application is present. You will learn a TON in orientation and should, if long enough, have you at an acceptable spot to be able to start taking some easier patients yourself. You will have plenty to review as things come up during orientation and honestly you won't do yourself much good "cramming" before you start. Take the time and enjoy the calm now, because you will have plenty to do and know soon enough!

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