Need advice - New Grad starting SICU

OrlandoFLNurse2b · Dec 15, 2008

Someone posted this link on another thread and so far so good. A lot of info.

http://www.icurounds.com/

ICUmanager · Dec 16, 2008

I see a lot of new graduates do very well in the ICU and I've also seen others do poorly. I believe that you must really.... want to work in the ICU first and then you must also have a lot of self initiative and motivation to get the experiences you will need to safely care for your patients once your orientation is complete. It also helps to spend time self studying at home. Unfortunately most new hires end up on the night shift where there isn't much support, your peers can often make or break you. It is very important to set limits on the acuity of your patients especially during your first 6 months on your own. It isn't uncommon to find the newest nurse taking care of the sickest patient due to them "needing the experience", however when your support nurse gets overwhelmed with their own assignment you are left alone in a potentially unsafe situation. There's also the nurses that tend to "eat their young" but if your motivated and have critical thinking ability (not everyone does) then they will learn to respect you. Good luck!

Michellem0322 · Dec 16, 2008

I see a lot of new graduates do very well in the ICU and I've also seen others do poorly. I believe that you must really.... want to work in the ICU first and then you must also have a lot of self initiative and motivation to get the experiences you will need to safely care for your patients once your orientation is complete. It also helps to spend time self studying at home. Unfortunately most new hires end up on the night shift where there isn't much support, your peers can often make or break you. It is very important to set limits on the acuity of your patients especially during your first 6 months on your own. It isn't uncommon to find the newest nurse taking care of the sickest patient due to them "needing the experience", however when your support nurse gets overwhelmed with their own assignment you are left alone in a potentially unsafe situation. There's also the nurses that tend to "eat their young" but if your motivated and have critical thinking ability (not everyone does) then they will learn to respect you. Good luck!

Thanks for your advice. I will remember it. I do really want the ICU and have no problem studying at home. I want to do the best I can and do what is the safest for the patients. I too will be working nights but I think I have quite a few days on orientation.