Has anyone taken online icu exam for travel requirement?

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2006

I have frequently taken online tests, to assess my knowledge base, for assignments.

I would rather take an online test to assess that my knowledge is adequate, before trekking several hundred/thousand miles, to get my assignment cancelled because my knowledge is not adequate for the position.

That said, I have never failed any of them. But quite frankly, the facility is paying a great deal of money for our services, without really knowing much of our background. They have the right and responsibilitiy to assess that we are adequate and suitable for their unit needs. It would be sad to go far away just to get bounced from an assignemnt that I was not suitable for or that was not suitable for my skills. Especially since there is limited orientation and no time to teach indepth skills to travelers.

If you are an experienced nurse with several years of experience in your specialty, it should be no problem. This is why nurses are encouraged to get a great deal of experience before traveling.

readysetgo · Jul 4, 2006

Do you have any online links I could use to practice taking quiz free for ICU:confused:

suzanne4, RN · Jul 4, 2006

Many facilites require an exam be done before starting the assignment. And they will usually give you a medication exam when you get there, as well.

Unfortunately, not all applicants have the experience that they stated that they did have.

readysetgo · Jul 6, 2006

My situation is: I am proficient in medical telemetry, however my agency wants me to take an icu exam online and I'm uncomfortable with that and told them. How do I prepare to take the online exam? Any tips/sites to study drips? Thanks.

SCGreywolf · Jul 7, 2006

I am currently with Nurse Choice and am QUITE satisfied with them. (Unlike some of their sister companies under the AMN umbrella). I am an ICU nurse currently in NM and had to jump through the same hoops as you are planning. The ICU exam is NOT nearly as confusing as NCLEX or CCRN. Make sure when you take the exam you have the following in your lap:

a GOOD calculator

A copy of a Nursing 2004 or later med book

A watch (test is timed but there's plenty of time )

a cup of coffee

Jack Daniels (for when you're through).....grin

If you've been a ICU nurse for more than a year, it's NO problem.

Good luck.....the wolf

(countin' down--18 to go and Mama's waitin')

readysetgo · Jul 9, 2006

Thanks for the information. I'm glad you are happy with Nurse Choice.

That's good to know.

Sounds like a lot of questions re: drugs on the icu test, plus drip calculations?? Appreciate your encouragement.

I have thought of nursing in New Mex. also, what is it like there?

SCGreywolf · Jul 9, 2006

I am in Albuquerque at Lovelace downtown. It's been a great assignment so far (with 18 days to go). However, I have heard complaints from the travelers at Lovelace-Gibson and West Mesa about the way the permanent staff treats them as outsiders. I wouldn't go there but the downtown campus treats us great. Just FYI, NC has contracts for their Tele unit and the Step-down Unit. Ratio in Icu is 2/1, stepdown is 4/1 (no vents or drips) and tele is 5/1 or 6/1 (on nights). I don't know what tele is on days. If you want ICU experience, take a stepdown contract and tell the Nurse Manager (Val) that you are willing to float to ICU for the experience. The ICU staff is about 65% travelers on days and about 80% travelers on nights. The hospital is in transition from St. Josephs to Lovelace Sandia Health Systems which in turn was bought about 6 months ago by Ardent.

They are planning on this hospital being a Level 1 Trauma center beginning in March or April '07 and are constructing a new 38 bed ER. Also planning on reopening their Coronary Care which will add 16 critical beds. The downtown campus is about 15 blocks from University of NM hospital and 15 blocks from Presbyterian, 2 blocks from Heart Hospital of NM, 3 blocks from Kindred (LTAC) and the ER is busy as all get out.

I have committed to Methodist in Indianapolis for 4 weeks but will probably come back here. No problem with license if you are in a compact state.

PM me for more info (housing, routes, etc)

18 days and countin'....and Mama's waitin' at the door

The wolf (looking to the Smokies)

readysetgo · Jul 9, 2006

Oh my gosh. I have committed to 4 wks/at Methodist also to start Aug. 7.

When is your start date? That is why I need to take the online ICU exam for Nurse Choice. I've never taken an online ICU test. What types of questions are on the test. Most greatful for your input.

Thanks...

anglsamngus4ever · Jul 9, 2006

I work for nursechoice and LOVE them. I had to take an Obstetrics exam as well as a medication/calculataion exam (which stressed me out completely). They are all timed exams.

I had to take another exam but I can not remember what it was on.

Dont worry...You'll get through it!

Oh yeah...it was a fetal monitoring exam.

readysetgo · Jul 9, 2006

Great to hear that you're happy with Nurse Choice. Looking forward to my upcoming assignment. Glad you passed tests. I have no idea why I get nervous taking tests - guess I'm not alone there. Helpful ideas appreciated.

Thanks for encouragement.

readysetgo · Jul 10, 2006

Glad to hear you're happy with nurse choice. I accepted an assignment with them. They require the ICU online exam. Do they ask any questions

regarding Swan lines - do you recall?

Thanks for encouragement..:)