ICU personal reading

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I am a nursing student who is very excited to be entering an externship program at my local hospital's ICU soon. I decided to look online to find books that would be educational and relevant to better prepare me for my new position. I was looking for books that addressed the issues that critical care nurses face in their practice but what I found was pages and pages of books with vague descriptions and high prices. I wanted to ask for suggestions from actual practicing critical care nurses...what books have you found to be most helpful in your practice. Please remember, I am a student so I'm looking for BASICS not extremely in depth technical reading. Thank You! :D

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Specializes in ER/ICU/Flight.

It might be hard to find a textbook that doesn't have technical reading. Mosby's Critical Care Nursing text is one that we have in here. Also there's The ICU Nurse (not sure who published it).

You could also get on AACN.org and browse through there. Subscribe to a critical care nursing journal, either hard copy or online.

Good luck on your rotation.

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Specializes in critical Care/ICU-traveler.

The book I am recommending is not a text book. It is a smaller sized reference manual that I carry with me at all times. It is called "Fast Facts for Adult Critical Care" by Kathy White.

http://www.kathywhite.com/

It Has tabs along the side to help find the info quickly. It includes such things as commonly used drips and formulas, assessment tips, and specifics of diseases that we see frequently and the interventions.

I have seen ICU nurses all across the country in a variety of units who use it as well. (you can buy additional sections for some specialties). It is a bit pricey but a worthwhile investment. I pull it out almost nightly to find info.

I went back and re-read your OP. This may not be what you are looking for as a student but if you ever decide to make Critical Care your specialty, it is a great tool to have.

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I recently went to my hospital's library (self directed learning, what can i say, the mood happened to strike me!) and I got a bunch of stuff (was mainly after study material for acid-base balance/ABG's). including a great book called "Critical Care Nursing Secrets (2nd Ed.)" by Hildy M. Schell and Kathleen A. Puntillo.

The book is set out into chapters/topics, and the topic is written in a Q&A type format, so the text is quite specific (ie- it answers that particular question in a paragraph or two). Its not that technical that it will make you close it and back away slowly after reading the first sentence, but it is detailed enough to give you a decent understanding of your question/area of interest.

I've got it out for a 2wk loan and am seriously considering buying it for myself (however i might just try and re-new it for as long as i can hehe)

Also the "Made Incredibly Easy!" series (Eg. Fluids and electrolytes MIE, ECG interpretation MIE, Wound Care MIE etc etc) are quite good. Basic stuff (although sometimes it feels a little too basic) but well worth a look.

Hope you find something that strikes your fancy!

Parko

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Thank you to everyone who posted. I really like Parko's description - "self directed learning". I think that is the best way to describe what I am attempting to do. My instructor calls me a "sponge", she says I'm always anxious to "soak up more knowledge"! I'll try to find the books suggested and give them a try. :)

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http://www.icufaqs.org is a great resource to learn some basic things of the unit. Read those before you get started and you'll be ahead of the game.

Good luck!

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trust me, you wil be doing ALOT of self directed learning! Thats one reason why i love nursing, you will never ever stop learning new stuff

good luck Sponge!

Parko

ps: that website above is very good ^^

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The website you suggested was EXACTLY what I was looking for! I love how it reads as though I am actually with a preceptor. Thanks a million Parko!!!! :yeah:

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

You might also check out this sticky in the CCU forum. Lots of weblinks, including the one above (icufaq):

Helpful Information for the Unit

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i think credit belongs to meandragonbrett for that website, not me! I havent been on it in ages, overdue for a visit i think!

parko

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Specializes in ICU.

Keep in mind that almost all critical care material seems "too technical" until you experience it in practice. With experience, the relevant materials reinforce what you know, help give you a better understanding and help you put all the pieces together.

With that said, I too would recommend Critical Care Nursing Secrets. I have the Fast Facts binder and a great Critical Care Skills book.

ICUfaqs is probably your best bet. I read this site regularly as a student preparing to go into critical care. I would print out each topic at the computer lab on campus. The material is specifically for anyone "new to ICU".

Good Luck

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Specializes in Not too many areas I haven't dipped into.
www.icufaqs.org is a great resource to learn some basic things of the unit. Read those before you get started and you'll be ahead of the game.

I too would recommend Critical Care Nursing Secrets. I have the Fast Facts binder and a great Critical Care Skills book.

these 3 are some of my top choices

happy reading

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