Looking for advice from experienced and new CCU RNs

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Hello, I just graduated in May and I am an older student (second career). I had planned on going to a med-surg unit but received an offer for CCUas well as the telemetry unit. After a long weekend of analyzing the pros and cons (and driving my family crazy) of going straight to critical care I decided to go for it.

Now I am two weeks away from my start date and getting very nervous. I really don't know if I have the skills or possibly the personality type to be successful in critical care. I have a 6mo preceptorship, then I am on my own.

I really want to succeed here and I realize I will have to study after work. So...does anyone have any suggestions for success, such as books, time mang. hints or what to focus on the most?

Also, have heard one of the doc's can be kinda of brutal to the new RNs likes to see them cry (very therapeutic), how does one handle this treatment?

Lastly, any thoughts on the personality type that does well in the CC environment? (mine is laid back but cry easily, but good sense of humor!)

Thanks for any input!!!

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Hello, I just graduated in May and I am an older student (second career). I had planned on going to a med-surg unit but received an offer for CCUas well as the telemetry unit. After a long weekend of analyzing the pros and cons (and driving my family crazy) of going straight to critical care I decided to go for it.

Now I am two weeks away from my start date and getting very nervous. I really don't know if I have the skills or possibly the personality type to be successful in critical care. I have a 6mo preceptorship, then I am on my own.

I really want to succeed here and I realize I will have to study after work. So...does anyone have any suggestions for success, such as books, time mang. hints or what to focus on the most?

Also, have heard one of the doc's can be kinda of brutal to the new RNs likes to see them cry (very therapeutic), how does one handle this treatment?

Lastly, any thoughts on the personality type that does well in the CC environment? (mine is laid back but cry easily, but good sense of humor!)

Thanks for any input!!!

Congratulations on graduation! And for getting a job in the ICU!

While I am not a CCU nurse, I worked CVICU for a period of time. Someone else posted about a new grad going into the ICU straight after school, and this is what I replied. Basically, if this is something you want to do, do it 110%. It can be extremely rewarding:-)

P.S. As far as a doctor making a nurse cry, if s/he is exhibiting abusive behavior, do not tolerate it. Report it to your manager, and if the situation is not dealt with, go to his/her supervisor. Do not allow anyone to make you feel inferior at your workplace - it can affect your patient care, and that is the last thing you want!

https://allnurses.com/forums/showpost.php?p=942972&postcount=8

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Thanks heartICU! Wow, great info! I have printed it out and pinned it on my bullentin board, along with my NCLEX facts I am trying to remember! Very good advice! Will order the books, in the morning!

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Good Choice to take the CCU. I work a tele floor but we often get the ICU patinets that the ICU does not have room for becuase we can run the drips they need. However a 2/1 patient load is much easier than a 5/1.

I wish you well :p

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teelee, That was one of my reasons for going CCU. Taking care of 5 or more sick vs. 1-2 very sick. Appreciate the postive thought.

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It takes guts to jump right into critical care, but it is definitely do-able. Those first six months you have to be a sponge, soaking up everything the more experienced nurses have to teach you. Recognize the learning opportunity in each patient situation, and ASK QUESTIONS! Anytime you are unsure about an assessment, something looks or sounds or smells funny or whatever, ASK! You may catch something and save a life.

Trust me, I am still in my first year in cardiac ICU. There is still so much I don't know, but I do ok as long as I ask a million questions anytime I am unsure or confused. The only time new nurses get into real trouble is when they DON'T ask questions first. If you don't know how to do something, get someone to help you. Then next time you can do it yourself. Learn what people you can rely upon for help, and what people have been there forever and know just about everything. THese are the people who will help make your first year in critical care a success!

Good luck!

P.S. Go easy on yourself at first... you will make mistakes and miss stuff, but as long as you are careful and ask lots of questions you'll do fine. Nobody's perfect, not even the most experienced nurse on the planet!

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Thanks givadamn! I appreciate the response from a new nurse. Asking lots of questions and absorbing everything possible seems to be a common theme from postings and other people I have spoken to.

You sound very confident and capable! Hope to be there some day :rolleyes:

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I started in the OR and worked PRN in CCU. Loved CCU left the OR. I understand the logic behind the ideal of working on med/surg but knew it was not for me.

Yes, there is a lot to learn but you will precepted just as you would on a floor.

Congratulations!

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Specializes in MICU.

this has great advice. I just wanted to repond so I could look up the info as graduation nears...

thanks

lifeLONGstudent

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