My first day on the unit

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Specializes in IMC, ICU, Telemetry.

Today was my first day on the unit (I'm a brand new nurse :)). The first hour or so I was wondering what I'd gotten myself into, how could I kid myself into thinking I could actually pull this off. My pt had a ton of stuff going on, was very very sick, seized, dropped on NGT, foley, and rushed to have emergency surgery, had a-fib, dropping BP, IDDM, sepsis and clotting problems, so managed all of those IV meds & gtts. I didn't stop flying until the end of shift, then I was able to sit down and chart. I was able to do a lot of new things today.

A doc returned my page and it was so cool hearing "hold on, I'll get the nurse for that pt" and the phone handed to me! At the end of the day I realized I have so much to learn, but I can't wait to learn it all. It got off to a crazy start, but then It was pretty exciting running around putting out fires day.

Can't wait to go back on Tuesday and do it all over again. :D

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency.

maolin...

hey, don't fret it.. i say that b/c i was in a very similar boat at one time.. it is a good feeling when things go right.. and just the opposite when it doesn't... i was an ER nurse for about two yrs and then a level II icu nurse for about two yrs before i went to nyc level I SICU.. i thought, within the first month, what the hell was i getting into.. i wanted to quit.. i thought i didn't know anything (about surgery anyway).. i think everyone gets that way initially.. don't give up and don't get down.. it only gets easier, more knowledge is gained, your confidence definitely increases, and all that goes with it.. trust me.. if you are having fun (you know, in that nursing kind of way), stick with it.. you are gonna learn so much.. and in time, you will be the one people are asking for advice for..

pm if u have any questions at any time..

and, as always,

enjoy !!

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Specializes in mental health, medical, emergency,commun.

hi,

i know how you feel, i have just started in an icu on the gold coast in australia, but i always ask if i am not sure of anything, it can be full on , ther eis so much to learn, but the most important thing, be safe, always remember your abc

all the best s1716698;)

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care/Neonatal ICU.
Can't wait to go back on Tuesday and do it all over again.

Sounds like you will do just fine if you are looking forward to going back after a busy first day. Some people would feel overwhelmed and dread returning.

Good luck and enjoy learning,

Lisa

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