How to be successful in ICU as a new grad?

DuluthMike · Mar 29, 2011

Floor nursing and ICU are two totally different animals. Skills that make you a good floor nurse can sink you in the ICU and Vice Versa. I do not understand the medsurg first then transfer to ICU mentality. ICU is not above floor nursing, it is simply different.

My advice is to go in every day looking to learn. Have an open mind. Work hard. Never stop learning. Unsucessful new grads are either unwilling to learn both on the unit and at home, cannot critically think, or go into the experience thinking they already have the skills required. These are the same mentalities that will make a new grad in any field fail.

ObtundedRN, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2011

A great new grad residency program for ICU is really important. There is a large knowledge base required for ICU that nursing school doesn't teach. A good new grad program will teach this to you. I wouldn't take an ICU job as a new grad that doesn't have a new grad program. It just wouldn't be safe for your patient or your license.

2126 · Mar 29, 2011

I believe this hospital has a 12 week program for new grads.

I understand there is SO much more for me to learn. I'm glad to hear it is feasible for a new grad to make it. I'm willing to work outside of work and study new information.

What's something you were surprised about coming into the ICU as a new grad? What hurdles did you have to overcome?

herowneulogy, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2011

12 weeks is not enough for ICU orientation.....more like 5-6 months....even up to a year

2126 · Mar 29, 2011

I'll make sure to clarify that with the recruiter. Thank you.

tahoe77 · Mar 29, 2011

I would say that the most important thing coming in as a

new grad is to completely drop any ego you have when

you walk through the door.

As a new nurse you will be corrected on what may appear

to be trivial details many many times a day. It may seem

like they are nit picking but trust me there is a reason

for every specific way of doing things.

Its hard to stay positive at first when you are being

corrected for 8 hours a day, day after day after day.

Just take it all in and thank them. You will owe

everything you are as an RN to the nurses who

train you. humility.

JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2011

I disagree with the idea that you need 6 months to a year of orientation. I started my career in a cardiac ICU and I got a 16 week orientation. This was fine. I had a very supportive team on my unit and felt that my orientation was appropriate. My facility offers continuing education constantly.

What you can do is hone your assessment skills, learn your hemodynamics and lab values inside and out, and if there's a specialty in that ICU, read all you can about it. Ask the experienced nurses for those little things that you might not pick up naturally, like not using atropine for 3rd degree block.

If you have the personality type, you'll be fine starting in ICU. I don't think I'd have been successful starting on Med-Surg because juggling 6 patients would drive me insane. Handling 2 or 3 criticals was easier for me because of the way I think and work.

2126 · Mar 29, 2011

I disagree with the idea that you need 6 months to a year of orientation. I started my career in a cardiac ICU and I got a 16 week orientation. This was fine. I had a very supportive team on my unit and felt that my orientation was appropriate. My facility offers continuing education constantly.
What you can do is hone your assessment skills, learn your hemodynamics and lab values inside and out, and if there's a specialty in that ICU, read all you can about it. Ask the experienced nurses for those little things that you might not pick up naturally, like not using atropine for 3rd degree block.
If you have the personality type, you'll be fine starting in ICU. I don't think I'd have been successful starting on Med-Surg because juggling 6 patients would drive me insane. Handling 2 or 3 criticals was easier for me because of the way I think and work.

What kind of personality?

canchaser, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2011

Personality type? You may not have it right now but u will get it.. It's a type of caddiness, I hear others call it ICUitis.. The personality that u know something is wrong with the pt but u get blown off by the intensivest/ doctor but u maintain ur stance and things work Out for the best.. Able to be cool Headed in a code. Strong willed, thick skinned, not a push over..don't let this scare u. I didn't have this 10 years ago but grew into it.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2011

I believe this hospital has a 12 week program for new grads.
I understand there is SO much more for me to learn. I'm glad to hear it is feasible for a new grad to make it. I'm willing to work outside of work and study new information.
What's something you were surprised about coming into the ICU as a new grad? What hurdles did you have to overcome?

12 weeks seem skimpy for a new grad in the ICU. Is that time extendable, or lengthened for specialty units?

nossawja, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2011

ok so yeah