Introduction

Congratulations and good luck. I was also a new grad in ICU. I second what Suzanne said. Also...write things down. Get a pocket-sized notebook and take notes. We all know new grads will have a lot of questions and welcome them. However, even the most patient nurse will get aggravated with the same question every day (e.g. what do I need to have at bedside for an art-line insertion?). Also, think of school not really being over....plan to look something up every night. If you set a goal to do a little bit of studying/research every day on something you saw/did/wondered the previous shift, then your learning will be greatly accelerated.

Keep your eyes and ears open all of the time. Think of yourself as being a sponge just soaking the information up.....

Ask questions, know one expects you to know everything.....

Attmept to learn at least one new procedure on a daily basis.....

Hope that this helps............and don't be shy.......... :)

Hello,

I am new to this site. I like the information you have submitted. I would like to ask a question. How do I expand my search in the area of Critical Care. I find that new nurses are hired in this area, but where I live the response I get is that new nurses are only hired in Med-Surg. How do I get around this dilemma? I want to further my education and the requirement is to work in critical care for 2 yrs.

Thank you

Sara610,

I'll just add - Don't be afraid to say you're not comfortable with something! I've seen new grads who don't want to be "looked down" on by other nurses who accept assignments or tasks they are not comfortable with. If anybody tries to GET you to take on something (alone) that you are not OK with, don't let it continue - stand up for yourself.

I hope you have a wonderful experience and supportive staff like I did when I started.

PS to Suzanne: The sponge analogy is so true!! I remember feeling just like a dry sponge during my first months in ICU. It was a great feeling!