Hey everyone!
I just passed my boards 3 short weeks ago and was offered my ideal position on the medical intensive care unit. I had precepted there for my critical care rotation. I had met the manager while there. After I graduated and passed my boards I called HR quite a lot and got through to them and the unit manager. The unit manager offered to interview me. 6 days later I was offered the position!! I am absolutely elated :) I can't believe it!!! But, behind all my excitement, relief, and pure happiness, I am pretty nervous. I know this is going to be hard. I mean, that is all anyone will tell you if you leap straight to ICU nursing out of school - is that it will be hard, REALLY HARD, for at least 2 years. It is as if nobody has anything positive or encouraging to say. And, while I do not want people to sugar coat things, it would be nice to hear that it is not all depressing and horrible. I am kind of quiet sometimes and I don't want that to get in the way. I do not want to choke in an emergent situation. I don't really want to drive to work with knots in my stomach and drive home crying. I know that I will go through those things, though. I know it is part of the territory. I guess what I want to know is; will it always fell like doom and gloom? How soon until those feelings diminish? Any tips for a newbie on how to gather a great support team around her in the MICU? I have a million and one fears in my head about being adequate enough to fill the shoes of this position. I know I will be a good nurse..deep down, I know it. I just don't want to let myself down. I need to succeed at this and prove to myself that I am worth a starting position in the MICU. I appreciate all your support, everyone. This site is a wonderful resource for when you need a little pep talk!