New Grad in ICU?

[whit16]

Hey everyone. I will be graduating next week, and will take my NCLEX-RN soon after. Any thoughts on a new grad in ICU? Do you recommend it, or should I get some med-surg experience first? I did my preceptor in SICU and LOVED it! I know thats where I want to end up, but is it wise to start there?

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

This is a VERY common thread topic if you go back a few pages.

You might want to look at some of the other "new grad ion ICU" threads as well....

It's a mixed bag and it really depends on the supports in place and the expectation of your employment.

In *my* hospital, a new grad out of school would never be a safe consideration for ICU because we aren't set up to preceptor and educate them. Others are different. We are a tertiary care centre, but the smaller community hospitals in my area have always hired and trained new grads. Therefore, opinions will vary. You should not go by what people from other places and the internet tell you, you should look into what programs there are in your location and whether other new grads have been successful in ICU's there.

Tips for getting into ICU as a new grad? - Nursing for Nurses

Does a Med-Surg preceptorship placement hinder an ICU position after grad? - Nursing for Nurses

i want to start off my career in icu once i graduate - Nursing for Nurses

New Grad BSN to start in MICU - Nursing for Nurses

New Grad starting off in ICU - Nursing for Nurses

Good luck!

This was just what I was looking for - thanks!

[Magpye59]

Alvin, I think there is no best way of getting organized except for getting there early, and I used to set my watch 10 minutes early so that I would get tasks done on time during the day - also the reply about the report sheet - very good tool, keeps you on track. It starts with name, room #, date of admission. Diagnosis, attending name, consults. PMH, and chief complaint. Story of how the person got there. Story of what happened since. Then systems ie neuro, cardiac, including any drips and rates, IV access, GI, GU, Skin, Labs, Tests. And anything else you can think of. And what you did all day.... which will never be enough for the night shift if you are days, and never be enough for the day shift if you are nights...and some nurses will want more from your report, and others will want you to shut up....develop a hard shell, you'll need it...Good Luck!!!!