newly hired to icu

Specialties MICU

Published

Specializes in 8 years Telemetry/Med Surg, 5 years Stepdown/PCU.

I've been a med surg nurse for 4 yrs and I interviewed for a ccu position and I got it. I'm nervous now because I feel like there is so much I don't know and I feel the only thing med surg has taught me is time management,pushing pills,and how to work under high stress lol. I'm starting to second guess myself and thinking about turning theposition down because it seems so overwhelming sigh. I guess my question is how can I better prepare myself for this transition?

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Specializes in ICU.
I've been a med surg nurse for 4 yrs and I interviewed for a ccu position and I got it. I'm nervous now because I feel like there is so much I don't know and I feel the only thing med surg has taught me is time management,pushing pills,and how to work under high stress lol. I'm starting to second guess myself and thinking about turning theposition down because it seems so overwhelming sigh. I guess my question is how can I better prepare myself for this transition?

Looking at your post, it appears to me that you are well on your way to CCU. You KNOW that "there is so much I don't know", which is better than many newbies applying for ICU slots. You also say that "the only thing med surg has taught me is time management,pushing pills,and how to work under high stress..." Time management and working under high stress will serve you well in the ICU.

You are not a seasoned ICU nurse, and you already know that. That's a step above some folks entering the ICU.

I'd urge you to NOT turn down the opportunity. If you were not seen as capable of doing the job, you'd probably not received the job offer (I say this as somebody who interviews candidates for my hospital's ICU). Your 4 years experience will serve you well in the ICU.

Go for it, and GOOD LUCK!

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Specializes in ICU.

I agree with Cruffler. If you want it, go for it!! Time management skills and the ability to work in a high-stress environment will serve you well in ICU. I highly doubt that they would cut you loose from orientation without making sure that you are competent first. I'd say, if you're not an extremely detail-oriented person, then don't do it. Otherwise, take the plunge and enjoy!! You will learn SO much...I love that about the ICU...I am challenged each and every day.

Oh, and congrats!

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Specializes in 8 years Telemetry/Med Surg, 5 years Stepdown/PCU.

Thank you for the confidence boost I so needed that. I have ordered some critical care books so I can have some sort of knowledge base. I guess i'm just afraid of failing then having to go back to the floor I dread. I feel like i'm not learning on ms and want to expand my knowledge bank. I'm notlooking to go into crna school,I just want to be a better nurse

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Don't let the fear of what you don't know keep you from accepting an amazing job! You can learn everything that will be required of you :) Good luck !!

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Specializes in ICU.
...I have ordered some critical care books so I can have some sort of knowledge base...

The ICU will offer you a tremendous learning opportunity. You might also want to take a look at index . TONS of handy information, nicely presented.

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Specializes in 8 years Telemetry/Med Surg, 5 years Stepdown/PCU.

Thanks for the website going to check it out

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Specializes in 8 years Telemetry/Med Surg, 5 years Stepdown/PCU.

They told me in the interview I would get 6 wks orientation,does this seem reasonable?

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Specializes in ICU.

I got 12 when transitioning to ICU..every place is different though. 6 doesn't seem unrealistic. You said you worked PACU? If so you already know vents and drips.

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Specializes in ICU.

Sorry, the PACU thing must've been from a different thread. It depends how high the acuity is in your CCU. But with 4 years of experience you already have the *nursing* part down pat- now to just hone your assessments and shift your skills to the technology used in the ICU- usually people can extend their orientation if they're not quite ready yet when it comes time to fly solo.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

6 weeks is what I got when I went to the ICU from the floor.. Just remember, you will never be alone... Don't run from this, you will be trained to be an ICU nurse, your ms days will help you more than you know. The transition will be tough and you still have much to learn but it will come.. Jump in, ask questions and plan on looking lots of stuff up and reading in your free time.. LOL, after 2 years in the ICU, I had something I never heard of.. Thank goodness for smart phones and apps like medscape:)

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Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, PACU,SICU.

Congratulations on your job offer! I am about to finish my orientation, you have a lot more pertinent experience! Time management and med management is a real asset. You will do great! Onward!

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