Hired as nurse tech. What to expect and how to prepare?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I am currently a nursing student in the Basic med surg semester and was recently hired in the MICU as a nurse tech ( a glorified CNA). This position is basically a year long interview which can open the door to be a nurse in this unit.

I am familiar with the MICU but haven't had the opportunity to spend much time there. As a nurse tech, what can I expect to be doing that would be different than a nurse tech in a med surg unit? Also, what material that I have learned in nursing school should I touch up on to be proficient in the MICU? Any other tips?

Thanks in advance!!

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Specializes in Quality, Cardiac Stepdown, MICU.

What a luxury. Many ICUs don't have techs. This means the nurses are probably used to doing their own baths, cleaning up, etc. I'll ask my tech for help with turning, or a big bath. A few things that are different: more totals, obviously. More frequent fingersticks -- hourly or sometimes more frequent. Very careful Is and Os. More codes.

Find out exactly what "nurse tech" means at your facility. In some places, since you're in nursing school, they allow you to do more than a regular CNA would; maybe insert a Foley or do trach care. Get IN WRITING what you're allowed to do, and always clear it with the nurse, or have her supervise you.

Pay attention, this is an awesome learning experience. Some of it might be over your head as far as your nursing school goes, but try to be a sponge. :yes:

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Specializes in Critical Care.

good information! thanks =)

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Delphine22 summed it up pretty much. They should inform you what all your daily job duties, etc are when you start. I was in your shoes not too long ago, but decided to work in a different icu when i graduated(with the same company but different hospital) that I had critical care clinicals at. You are right in saying it is a year long interview but basically work hard and ask the nurses constantly if 'theres anything i can do for you,' and you will most likely have a nursing job there in a year. They want to know that you are willing to work hard and make a good team member.

Side note: ask the nurses a lot of questions if/when you are caught up with all your work (only ask the ones that are willing to share and when they arent too busy bc some nurses get kinda annoyed if you ask too much) and you will learn enough to make your critical care class seem easy.

Good luck and hang in there, at times being a tech will get frustrating but its wayyy worth it

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I would make sure you make yourself available in any code/emergency situation. If you are not busy at the time, head to codes around the hospital too(as long as that's alright with your Charge anyway). Just being around those situations a bunch will make you more comfortable when it's happening to your patient in the future.

Also get ready for lots of lovely liquidy tube feeding poop. Nothing gets everywhere like that stuff does.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Also get ready for lots of lovely liquidy tube feeding poop. Nothing gets everywhere like that stuff does.

Looking forward to it. Haha

Thanks everyone for the input. I start next week....can't wait!

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