HELP!!! OB nurse transferring to ICU

Specialties CCU

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery. Transferring to ICU.

Hello Everyone, I am new to this site and am loving it. I have been an OB nurse for 15 years and needed a change. I transferred to our ICU. It is really a whole different world. This unit is a very basic ICU. 12 beds, no open hearts. The hospital has given me a 12 week preceptorship. I have a great nurse training me. She is amazing. I sit back and listen to them talk and I can't hardly imagine myself getting to that spot. These women are unbelievable.

First, does anyone have and recomendations for books/pocket guides? I already have "Critical Care Check Mate" and that has been helpful. Are there any other guides that you would consider the ICU Bible?

Second, Our unit has the worst report sheet I have ever seen. It is not a helpful tool for me at all. Does anyone out there have a report sheet/shift change report sheet that they have found helpful?

Is this doable? I am feeling so overwhelmed. Learning ECG, balloon pumps, ventilators, cardiac caths, conscious sedation, the medicines. WOW.

Can an OB nurse transform into a Critical Care Nurse??

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance.

Lisa

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Specializes in ER/Critical Care.

:nurse: Welcome to Critical Care! I certainly hope you enjoy the change-it is a different world, but I think a great one!

The two books that have helped me the most were Critical Care Made Incredibly Easy (although that might be a little too dumbed down for someone with 15 years nursing experience, not sure), and The ICU book by Paul Marino. I keep both of those handy at all times for when I have something I don't get, or something new comes along. Hope that helps some! :wink2:

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Specializes in Paeds, Maternity, Medical & A&E.

hi italyn

i am in a similar situation where for some unknown reason i though i needed more of a challenge. after 23 yrs in paeds/mat with a bit of a&e thrown in, i decided to try hdu. we are a small unit in a regional area with only 6 beds in hdu. so after 1 study day & 2 days orientation i am in there on my own with a back up staff out on the ward who have their own full work load. day one on my own beds full & then i get 2 amis & an attempted hanging that required ventilation. then i have to tract down mos to move hdu patient out to the ward cause the first mi has bypassed a&e and coming straight to me. i feel so inadequate but at least i could recognise the st elevation. these ecgs are so hard to grasp not to mention all the other stuff that comes through. the regular members of the unit are just great maybe in another 20yrs i will be we they are. best of luck in your new adventure

vamparee

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery. Transferring to ICU.

Vamparee,

Thank you so much for your response. It is so comforting to know there is someone out there that feels like I do. I am about to take an EKG class to help with reading these strips. That and all the medication drips are the hardest for me. I miss being comfortable like I was in OB/L&D. I know I will eventually get there in ICU too. You are so brave to jump into this with such a quick orientation. The hospital unit I am in is also 6 beds. They are giving me a 12 week preceptorship. No patient care or charting for the first 10 weeks, Just observing. My preceptor is awesome, and like your unit, all the girls are wonderful. They are so smart. Well, best of luck to you. I know you and I together are going to do great but it is sure is scarey in the meantime.

P.S. What does HDU stand for?

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Specializes in LTC, Subacute Rehab.

I can't really add to other posters' advice, but I told my husband about this... His opinion:

"So it's like 'Breathe! Breathe! Oh wait, you're on a vent!'"

I bet you'll be awesome, given that you know what you don't know, and know to ask questions.

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Specializes in Paeds, Maternity, Medical & A&E.
Vamparee,

Thank you so much for your response. It is so comforting to know there is someone out there that feels like I do. I am about to take an EKG class to help with reading these strips. That and all the medication drips are the hardest for me. I miss being comfortable like I was in OB/L&D. I know I will eventually get there in ICU too. You are so brave to jump into this with such a quick orientation. The hospital unit I am in is also 6 beds. They are giving me a 12 week preceptorship. No patient care or charting for the first 10 weeks, Just observing. My preceptor is awesome, and like your unit, all the girls are wonderful. They are so smart. Well, best of luck to you. I know you and I together are going to do great but it is sure is scarey in the meantime.

P.S. What does HDU stand for?

HDU stands for High Dependency Unit which is one step down from ICU anyone who requires ICU is retrieved to one of the Big city hospitals 400 kms away too far for the helivacs so its the royal flying Docs

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YES!! YOU CAN DO IT!!

I also have recently transfered from 13 years OB to ICU. I've been there for about 8 months and things are getting better. People have stopped looking at me like I'm crazy and asking why the change. For awhile I thought I was crazy. Now I have good days and bad days of course, but I learn so much every day. I think it just takes time!! It took me a good couple of years to feel halfway comfortable in OB, and I'm sure it would take at least that long in ICU. I don't know about you, but it is harder than I thought to be new again and not have the respect from other nurses and doctors that an experienced nurse has. I didn't realize how much I liked to teach others and be the one people came to with questions. The units that I work are very supportive and helpful and it sounds like you work in a supportive atmosphere also. That's a huge help.

So tell me, what are some of the things in ICU that you weren't expecting. There have been quite a few for me. Are you liking ICU?

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Specializes in CVICU, ICU, RRT, CVPACU.

Two great books that I like and would recommend for anyone in Critical Care are "Perioperative Care in Cardiac Surgery" by Robert Bojar and "The ICU Book" by Morino. I personally prefer the one by Bojar because it goes in depth with many drugs we use, however he explains it in very simple terms. Both will definately help you. Im sure you will do great as an ICU nurse. Some of the most intelligent nurses I have worked with were good OB nurses. Its like anything else in life. You get out what you put into it. If you study, learn and make an active effort to be good at it the chances are..........you will. Good luck.

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Specializes in CCRN-CMC-CSC: CTICU, MICU, SICU, TRAUMA.

Go to Ed4nurses.com and get yourself the critical care orientation course... series of audio CDs and then binder of notes with it... David Woodruff is a great educator... then move on to the more advanced review packages like the critical care essentials and mastering series... and then other lectures of different systems as you need.... This will supplement your orientation greatly... I used his CCRN review (which I recommend when you move up to that point should you choose to certify)... You can do it! You can do it! You may be able to get your hospital to reimburse you for it...but it's not that expensive... very reasonable!

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