How do I get the most out of MICU orientation?

[sleepyhead]

I'm about to start working in the MICU of a large teaching hospital next month (Feb 24). My experience is a year in a myelosuppresion/bone marrow transplant unit (same hospital). No experience with vents or invasive monitoring. Does anyone have any advice about what things would help me prepare so I'm able to get the most out of orientation? Also any advice on how to get the best orientation possible (for example, things to ask my preceptor, etc.). Any advice would be appreciated.

[erezebet]

I feel like we are in the same boat!! I begin orientaion in MICU on Feb 11th in a Medical college hospital!!! I am very nervous because I only have 2 years of experience on a 40 bed neuro step-down unit. I have taken this week off to reviw my Art-lines, EKG, and all the meds I could never give before. I pray they will team me up with a preceptor who is open to a million questions. Maybe we can pass on tips and tricks to each other as we go along.

I am very nervous and excited to be working in an ICU. I hope things go well for you!

[toronto rn]

I have precepted many staff entering into the MICU unit. The main area of concern to all is that you be safe. Double check or look up drugs, Ask questions, have someone observe you doing procedures until you are safe to do it independantly. Many areas have skills check lists or tests to certify your competency in using equiptment (pa lines, art lines, vents, drips and titrations, defib, dialysis etc). Hopefully you will have a good support system in your area, a mentor or precepter who will provide you with learning experiences you are able to handle and give you a taste of the exciting stuff as you progress. Expect to be scared, I would be concerned if you were not. It takes a few years to become comfortable in an intensive care area.

[fedupnurse]

You will find that some staff are wonderful and some are not. If you don't hit it off with your preceptor look into getting a new one. Find a nurse you trust and who is interested in helping others on the unit. Personally I love to precept. I love it more when I have an eager nurse who really wants to learn and picks my brain. I can learn alot from them too. My unit has nurses with very varied expertise. SOme of us have only ever worked in ICU settings others have worked dialysis, the ER, cath lab, etc. We use each other to our patients advantage!! If you don't know something do not guess, ask someone. Don't let the nasty staff get you down. Every unit has them, unfortunately.

Best of luck!!