Is it wise for a new grad to start in ICU?

[Kolt19]

I was just wondering what experienced nurses think about a new graduate starting out in ICU. I am in a BSN program where we can specialize in ICU for one class, but I realize this is not near what needs to be known. Would I be competent enough to begin here, after going through a 9 month training program? I really want to do ICU but I do not want to put my license / pts. on the line either.

Thanks to all.

[utahliz]

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[dorimar, BSN, RN]

Ok... first off, my opinion was asked for , and I gave it honestly, and i don't think insultingly. I did NOT say all new grads going directly into ICU were unsafe. I said it is better to have basic fundamental training on the floor first. I truly believe that, and that does not make me "bitter". I did not go directly into ICU because i did not want to. I feared the responsibility, as i should have. I also said I have trained some that did extremely well . But despite how angry it makes you ivpush, i still think the transition is smoother when you are not learning advanced practice at the same time you are learning the fundamentals. I will add that i have been very supportive to any nurse who has already made the decision. I've been doing this for 20 years and on my unit, every new nurse comes to me with their questions because I AM supportive and constructive and helpfull. I do NOT eat my young. She asked for experienced ICU nurse's opinion, and it seems you took my opinion personally. Also for the nurse who stated you learned the fundamentals in nursing school, you did not learn to master them. Theory is very different from practice, and that is the main reason i feel it is better to practice the fundamentals first. Now, of course there are differing opinions. That's why it is a discussion. i don't feel it is "discouraging" to give someone an opinion they asked for.

[keetew]

I think if it is really where you want to be, then you should try it. As far as putting your patients and license on the line, other nurses are going to be right there to help you. I'am an LVN and i work in the micu and sicu for a trauma center. I had only worked on a med-surg unit for 14 months before going to the icu. I really had no experience except passing meds and giving basic nursing care. You already know how to do these things. In my opinion I think if you recieve the proper training, you will be fine. Just remember these two things, do not come off orientation till you are ready, and ask for one of the most tenured nurses to be your preceptor. I hope this helps you, GOOD LUCK

[junglern]

Hi I am in the orientation to work in MED-ICU, I was a nurse in my country, I need support, guys next week i have the critical care exam.

Thanks.

[wincha]

NO, I think it could be dangerous and have heard of deaths due to new grads in the ICU. Get some med/surg under your belt first maybe 1-3 years of it.

[geekgolightly, BSN, RN]

NO, I think it could be dangerous and have heard of deaths due to new grads in the ICU. Get some med/surg under your belt first maybe 1-3 years of it.

generally i agree with you (and this is why i am not in ICU right now), but if i could find a program like the one at mass general, eight months of class time and preceptorship, i think that is as safe as one can get. safer than a med surg nurse coming into ICU with only 12 weeks precepting.

[bettystlouis]

I think it can be done,just one thing to remember always ask ?s always have someone double check your meds exp.iv drugs even after your are confident in yourself. Its when we think we know it all is when we get in trouble. GOOD LUCK:balloons:

[dorimar, BSN, RN]

I do agree with you geekgolightly. I would have loved taht kind of training.

[oldiebutgoodie, RN]

I graduated in June, and started in an ICU. I have since left that hospital (for many, many reasons) and am starting in a new ICU with a more formal orientation program.

If new grads start in the ICU, the staff nurses need to be understanding that the new grad also needs to learn some basic skills. ICU #1 was full of nurses who felt that "you really need to have 1 or 2 years of med-surg before coming here". They were not terribly helpful to the 5 of us new grads who started working there.

So a lot depends on the ICU. The new ICU I am starting at in a few weeks has an organized ICU internship program for new grads that it runs once or twice a year. Hopefully this staff will be more understanding and helpful.

Oldibutgoodie

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

I'm precepting in a CVICU as part of my final semester transition. Honestly, there are times when I feel very well suited to the unit. There are others when I feel totally overwhelmed because my basic skills and time management capabilities are not up to snuff on a place where things happen quickly. On the whole, I think it's important to be on a supportive unit with a good orientation and the new nurse has to be assertive and confident.

[mcmike55]

I guess that I would have to ask my daughter,,,,she just got her RN (ADN) and is now orienting in ICU.

She seems to have a wonderful preceptor, and a lot of supportive co-workers, which is critical I'm sure.

She used to be an ER tech, so some things are not totally foreign to her.

Until recently I was one of those that said a year or so of general med. surg. should be the first set. I still stand beside that, for most new nurses, but as with anything there are exceptions to the rules. I don't want to sound too bias towards my daughter, you know. :chuckle

I think with the right training program, ICU would be a great place to start. Lots of things to learn, EKGs, arts, swans, etc.. Plus you still have some old fashion, one on one, bed baths, talk to the family, etc patient care.

Best of both worlds,,,,could be.

However, I would still not recommend that you put a brand new grad in just any specialty unit. I still like having some basic med.surg first.

Old fashioned...I guess.

Mike

[FloridaCCRN, CRNA]

I guess that I would have to ask my daughter,,,,she just got her RN (ADN) and is now orienting in ICU.

She seems to have a wonderful preceptor, and a lot of supportive co-workers, which is critical I'm sure.

She used to be an ER tech, so some things are not totally foreign to her.

Until recently I was one of those that said a year or so of general med. surg. should be the first set. I still stand beside that, for most new nurses, but as with anything there are exceptions to the rules. I don't want to sound too bias towards my daughter, you know. :chuckle

I think with the right training program, ICU would be a great place to start. Lots of things to learn, EKGs, arts, swans, etc.. Plus you still have some old fashion, one on one, bed baths, talk to the family, etc patient care.

Best of both worlds,,,,could be.

However, I would still not recommend that you put a brand new grad in just any specialty unit. I still like having some basic med.surg first.

Old fashioned...I guess.

Mike

I agree. I think it depends on the new grad (all new grads are not the same)and the type of orientation they receive. I don't agree, like some have said here, that "3 years of med-surg" is needed.