Is ICU too challenging for new grads?

FA to CRNA2b · Oct 10, 2008

This strongly depends on your fellowship and you personally. It can be done if the program is thorough and supportive. It will definitely be challenging and all of the new grads that I know have said that they did not even feel slightly comfortable for at least a year. You would be doing yourself a favor by learning the basics first instead of learning critical care as well as basic nursing at the same time. Just be prepared, if your :heartbeat is truly in ICU, then you will find a way to make it work. Don't be surprised at how stressed you will be though.

KLKK2005 · Oct 10, 2008

I graduated from an ADN program in May and began working in the ICU as soon as I graduated. The unit I work in is a 16 bed unit. We have at least 12 weeks of orientation where we are paired directly with a clinical coach. I do not feel overwhelmed at all. There are questions that I have, but all the nurses that I work with are more than happy to step in and answer questions or help me if I need it. I have never felt like I am "hung out to dry" or anything like that. I love it in the ICU and cannot imagine myself working any other place. Good luck with your decision!!!

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Oct 10, 2008

I started in the ICU and Iam so happy I did. I have small ratios, a very supporting staff and Drs who knew I was/am new so they give me very clear orders and dont mind explaining the reason behind some of the orders.

By starting in the ICU I feel I got a much better understanding of the big picture, as I am able to do complete care on my patients, we dont utilize the CNA or W/C staff in our unit. We dont have an IV team--and we draw most of our own labs.

Some of my friends I graduated with went to Med Surg floors and felt totally overwhelmed taking on 6-8 patients, even though they had the help of the CNA and W/C staff --an 8 pt med pass can be very overwhelming.

My tip for you, is always volunteer to take the sickest of the patients, you will have a support staff of fellow RNs to help you if you need it and by jumping in feet 1st you will build your knowledge and confidence base---also, always always always help your fellow ICU RNs, you will need them when /if your pts go bad and they can go bad quicly!!! So start out as an A-1 team player. Dont ever just wait to be told what to do, jump in and pitch in to help.

I have learned more in the past year in the ICU than I learned in 4 years of school. Heck I learned more the 1st 6months than I did in school.

Good luck, what ever path you may take!!

1styearsucks · Oct 10, 2008

I agree with the others who stated that it depends on the fellowship,the unit and your personality. I say go for it!! I believe if you have a dream and a goal why wait. The good thing about nursing is, if the ICU does not work out for you, you can work somewhere else. :nurse:

PiPhi2004 · Oct 10, 2008

I worked in ICU as a new grad and loved it. I think it has a lot to do with how much support you are given. While many fellow co-workers did not like new RNs in the ICU, a lot of them really liked having someone fresh with no bad habits already. They can train you to what they want you to be. As others said, it depends on the person. I do not know what its like to work in med/surg, but I know that the ICU is extremely stressful and I cried many days throughout orientation and a few months after. A lot of people can't cut it but our managers are good about finding them a good fit somewhere else. I also believe I learned more my first year than any other year of my life, period. You develop a thick skin really quick and I think I am much better suited for ICU than any other area but all you can do is give it a try and see how it works for you. Good luck!

Ilovelucy2 · Oct 10, 2008

If you have an interest in ICU, go for it. As long as you recieve a orientation that's fitted for your needs and a preceptor that's a good fit for you, you'll find out if ICU is for you.

I started out as a CNA in ICU- was there for three years until I transitioned into RN position in the same unit. It's challenging work, and you'll have times when you wonder if you are cut out for it, but I had a strong support through my coworkers and management.

For those that say you should get your basic skills first, then go to ICU- why not jump in ICU first? You'll learn basic skills along with critical care skills and thinking to know what the big picture is.

I say go for it! If it's not right for you, move on and try something else- but don't let what other people think about new nurses in ICU stop you. Some of the best nurses I work with are the newest.

SICU Queen · Oct 10, 2008

No, it definitely is NOT too challenging for a new grad, but you've got to make a promise to me and every other "old" nurse out there that, if you survive orientation and get a bit of time under your belt, you will NOT think you know it all after a year or two. There's not much that is more scary to me than a "young" ICU nurse who is way overconfident, taking care of a "typical" patient. Those patients have a bad habit of showing you just how much you don't know!

Seriously, if you want to do ICU, then go for it. Be open-minded, open to constructive criticism, and be prepared to utilize some time outside of work to review some basic concepts of critical care.

You'll do fine. :yeah:

FA to CRNA2b · Oct 10, 2008

Be ready to clean a whole lotta poop. The techs can't do it without Cha!

MaryAnn_RN · Oct 10, 2008

ICU is a wonderful place to work, no day is ever the same. You will learn to be the best nurse that you can be. If you have a passion for critical care and are prepared to work hard then go for it. I wouldn't particularly worry about what other people have to say though...consider all your options.

What I would say though is that if you could get 6 months or even a year on a general medical or surgical ward it would give you a good basis to build on in ICU. But the decision is yours.

CraigBSN02 · Oct 11, 2008

No no , and no!

If ICU is really what you want to do, and you "really feel you belong", then there is no stopping you. Study hard, learn alot and you will succeed.

This bogus "new grads can't handle the ICU" theory needs to go the way of nursing caps and all-white uniforms. It's backwards and counterproductive to advancing the profession of nursing care.

-Craig J.

RN, BSN, and others... :-)

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Oct 11, 2008

I graduated in May and went right into an ICU at a teaching hospital and I love it! I enjoy going to work!

I work with a really awesome and supportive team of RN's though and without their support and never ending patience with my questions I couldn't do it.

Believe me you will get your basic nursing skills down FAST. There is always something new to learn each day...I literally learn something new and cool each and every day I work. I would NOT be seeing the things I see and get to do the things I do on a floor nursing position.

But DO BE prepared to very extremely overwhelmed, uncomfortable and scared out of your mind the first few months--that is why you need to make sure the ICU you want to work in has a great nursing support system. I would sometimes get sick to my stomach or would stay up all night with anxiety before I went into work. It is getting a LOT better now that I am 5 month in (I can sleep all night now...lol) and I also KNOW that I have a great team and if someone starts going down the tubes I have about 10 people in my room in a second so I am never, ever alone. That gives me a lot of peace of mind.

Go for it!!