increasing critical care knowledge for hire

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anyone have any suggestions on how to increase my critical care knowledge so that I am able to get hired on an ICU unit or step down ICU?

please? any books or anything?

thanks!

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Specializes in tele,step down, micu.

Go to a bookstore and get books that are designed to give you an over view about critical care. also ask if you can shadow a icu nurse for a few days to get first hand knowledge. And what type of unit do you work on now? It is best to work cardiac tele or just a surgical floor. The managers look for nurses with experience on those type of floors. If a new grad I strongly suggest this. I helps you become organized and teaches you how to treat the pt not just the monitor. good luck

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Specializes in CVICU, ICU, RRT, CVPACU.

The ICU book by moreno and Perioperative care in cardiac surgery by Robert bojar. Bojar's book is the best.

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Specializes in CTICU.

In my opinion, the only way to learn about critical care is to work in critical care and study what you're doing as you go. Most ICUs do NOT expect new staff to have experience/knowledge in critical care. It's much more important that you're self-directed, interested in learning more, challenge-driven and willing to ask questions and know your limitations.

Best bet is to look around until you find a unit that encourages new staff, has a structured orientation program and provides some classes/opportunities to learn more.

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