ICU job shadow

nutella, MSN, RN · Jun 17, 2016

I am suppose to go on a job shadow in the ICU next week with an interview afterwards. I am wondering what kind of questions should I ask the nurse(s) that I follow? I know the questions I want to ask in the interview but dont want to risk looking stupid if I am asking the same ones. Would like different questions for the shadow. Also what am I allowed to do while shadowing? I know that I cannot do patient care, but do not want to be the one "taking up space." I want to be helpful. I have 5 years med/surg experience and 2 years stepdown ICU experience.

When you shadow you are not allowed to do anything, just be present.

Questions to ask:

What is the usual patient population

How long is the average stay

How long is the average orientation

what kind of ventilators/iv pumps are they using

Are there possibilities to engage in committees / shared governance once settled in

Is there a clinical ladder

What are the opportunities for nurses to help shape the work place

Can families stay 24/7

Is there CRRT in the ICU (NxStage) and if yes, who is managing and setting it up (dialysis nurse or ICU staff)

Any ECMO? Left heart assist devices? IABP?

Generally speaking - be interested and ask questions. Don't ask about breaks/holidays/ conflicts/ and so on.

If you have an interview after be prepared to talk about current trends in nursing, conflict management (conflict between nurses, nurses and families, nurses and physicians...) and conflict management, be informed about ethics in nursing and know the ANA code of nursing (always looks good when you can throw in stuff that is relevant). Think about why you think you would be a good fit /candidate.

IMO it is important to be somewhat tech savvy in ICU as you may be exposed and manage stuff like CRRT (most ICU nurses hate to care for patients on it as it can be high maintenance and the technology is "too much" ), IABP, and so on and forth.

Team work is important even though most ICU nurses are self sufficient...

Good luck!

tcvnurse, BSN, RN · Jun 18, 2016

I would ask the ICU to tell me about her best and worst day so you can get a feel of what to expect. Start reading up on stuff ICU related so you can ask sensible questions.

--What is your typical patient population?

--What is your favorite part of working here?

--WHat are some challenges you deal with every day?

etc etc etc. Most ICU nurses I know are GIGANTIC NERDS, myself definitely included, lol. We keep reference books in our lockers and have go-to websites to look up stuff.

Good luck!

IVNinja300 · Jul 18, 2016

Follow up: Had the interview, was extremely nervous (not sure why, havent been that nervous before in an interview) thought it went ok, know that I did not knock it out of the park, but know that I did not completely bomb it either. Well, the manager and I keep playing phone tag. This last message she left me was to thank me for interviewing and to give me feedback (3 weeks later!) So I am thinking I didnt get it, then she goes on to say to call her back so we can discuss the position further! ??? So confused. Such a "gray area" message. Anyways called her back, (30 min later) she didnt answer and I have yet to hear from her 10 days later. What is your take?