ICU internship - Need help!

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Hi everyone!!! I'm a nursing student in California and I got into an internship for this summer in the ICU. I am very excited!:borg: I wanted to get some advice from nurses and see if you answer these questions for me :up:

1) What is the best way for me to prepare for the day?

2) Best way to stay organized?

3) How do you manage/plan your day?

4) How do I stand out as a student? I want to make sure I help the patient and the nurses and not be in their way.

If there is any other advice you'd give.....I''ll take it all!!

Thank you!!!!:sarcastic:

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Specializes in Rehabilitation,Critical Care.

Do not expect anything, be a sponge.

Accept to yourself that you know little about nursing and that you will not be perfect as you are beginning a new journey in your nursing career.

You can stand out by offering help if they need you.

By being confident and knowledgeable NOT to the point of arrogance. Be humble.

Be open, THINK before you speak.

Ask sensible questions.

Never give up and keep moving forward.

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Very inspiring, I'm going to work on that :) thank you for the reply!

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Specializes in Rehabilitation,Critical Care.
Very inspiring, I'm going to work on that :) thank you for the reply!

I wish you the best, I too am starting an internship in the ICU as a new nurse.

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Oh that's awesome! Which state are you in? Are you're doing it while in nursing school?

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Specializes in ICU.

Recognize that you never know what's going to happen with your patient during your 12 hour shift. Get as organized as possible - as soon as possible when your shift starts. Know your patient's diagnosis, relevant history, procedures done during this stay (cardiac cath? Surgery?), labs, meds and when they're due, etc. Creating a "brain" sheet to write the major stuff down is really helpful. Assess your patient thoroughly. Zero your art-line (and EVD or others). Make sure your monitor's alarms are set where you want them. Make sure your patient's room has an ambu-bag!! Know who to contact when you need orders (resident? NP? Attending? Surgeon?) and have contact info handy for the patient's family member.

These are just a few "basics" to focus on so that you're prepared for however your shift may go. Also- do your best to keep up on the charting- so that if the crap hits the fan, you at least aren't so behind with everything up to that point.

Good luck! Recognize that you'll get better with time! Take time to breathe when you're feeling overwhelmed! And ALWAYS ask for help when you need it!! :)

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Specializes in ICU.

Oh! And if you're not busy- go around the unit and offer your help!! And if a procedure is going on with someone else's patient- go watch and assist if possible! The more you're involved- the more you'll learn!

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Specializes in Rehabilitation,Critical Care.
Oh that's awesome! Which state are you in? Are you're doing it while in nursing school?

I am an RN now less than 1 year experience. I am doing it as a new grad.

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