New Grad Pediatric Cardiac ICU Resources

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Specializes in Pediatric Cardiac ICU.

Hi all! I just accepted an New Grad RN Residency in a Pediatric CICU at a large Children's Hospital. I am both excited and terrified for this journey! Does anyone who works in PICU or PCICU have any book recommendations that might be helpful for a new CICU nurse? I'd really love to get a head start on some studying before starting residency in November. Any and all tips/tricks are welcome. Thank you!

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Following!!

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.

I know you already started, but if you are still following this, but yes, I do have resources! I was in your position not too long ago. New Grad residency at a large children's hospital in a cardiac ICU! It's definitely scary at first, but it's so worth it. You'll learn so much in that first year it'll blow your mind!

 

  • The first resource I would recommend is Illustrated Field Guide to Congenital Heart Disease and Repair - this is an AMAZING resource that help you tremendously with learning the heart and defects. Peds cardiac is so specialized and there are so many complicated defects. You'll see a lot more than TOFs and VSDs at your hospital. Learning how these defects affect the body and which sorts or surgeries repair them is imperative to having a strong grasp on caring for the patient. I got a copy of this during my residency and I use it ALL the time. 
  • Before I started my residency, I was trying to find resources to prepare me as well. I ran across Open Pediatrics - this is a phenomenal, free resource on all things regarding pediatric medical care. They have a great cardiac section. It sort of reads like Khan Academy and is a resource that is used and referenced by many hospitals. 
  • Lastly, the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Handbook published by the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society is amazing. It is easy to digest and has information directed for patient care in specific. I recently used this on a unit project and found it to be a great read. 

 

I hope this information is helpful for you and good luck as you start your journey!

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Hello, I'm about to start my PCICU job in a couple weeks at a huge childrens hospital as well! 

How was your first year? Any tips?

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.
43 minutes ago, stargirl45 said:

Hello, I'm about to start my PCICU job in a couple weeks at a huge childrens hospital as well! 

How was your first year? Any tips?

Congrats! I just got this email just as I was done emailing someone about the same topic! 

First year is gonna be scary, ngl. There is no sugar coating it. You’re going to see some sick patients, have some intense days and learn ALOT in year one. Here are some tips for a new grad. 

  • If you’re at a large children’s hospital and you’re a new grad, I’m sure you have a formalized residency. Take advantage of this and treat it like school, not work. There is so much information to learn about being a nurse, let a lot about the population you’re caring for. Take notes, ask questions and read. 
  • Learn your patho. Especially your defects, shunting, and blood flow. Don’t just learn what TOF is, but also what the defects mean for the body and how that will present. You won’t know everything in the first year, but having a basic understanding of that will make life much easier and more enjoyable.
  • Cherish residency and lean on your preceptor. Swing big and they’ll catch you when you fall and ensure safety. They’re supposed to be there to help you learn while keeping the patient safe. You won’t have that type of security ever again, so utilize it!
  • Give yourself grace! This is the most important part. You’re going to have ups and down. You will feel like you’re underprepared. Imposter syndrome is real. Just know that everyone knows you’re new and they want you to succeed.  Celebrate your wins and learn from your losses. 
     

Hope this helps! Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions. Congrats on your new job! Peds cardiac is a truly a special place. 

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Just wanted to say thank you for this post and your recommendations. I received an offer for the Peds Cardiac ICU yesterday and this post was exactly what I needed to read...I was initially told it was an offer for CVICU, so when I got the official offer letter stating Peds CVICU, I was both excited and scared at the thought of working with the pediatric population. May I ask, since initially posting, have you stayed in PCVICU? 

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.
CLoveR49 said:

Just wanted to say thank you for this post and your recommendations. I received an offer for the Peds Cardiac ICU yesterday and this post was exactly what I needed to read...I was initially told it was an offer for CVICU, so when I got the official offer letter stating Peds CVICU, I was both excited and scared at the thought of working with the pediatric population. May I ask, since initially posting, have you stayed in PCVICU? 

So glad it was helpful and congrats on your offer! 

Yep, I stayed! I was staff for 2 years, traveled for a year and now I'm in CRNA school. I am actually on an assignment now (my first semester or two is light and I'm able to work). I'm working at a large academic PICU that's does hearts also. 

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Wow! Congratulations!! That's awesome, and also exciting to hear because I initially wanted to do ICU with a distant goal to eventually try to get into CRNA school! Knowing someone has gone this route and is actually doing it gives me hope ? sincerely, thank you for responding. I feel like it's an answered prayer to my fears of going this route as a new grad.

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.
CLoveR49 said:

Wow! Congratulations!! That's awesome, and also exciting to hear because I initially wanted to do ICU with a distant goal to eventually try to get into CRNA school! Knowing someone has gone this route and is actually doing it gives me hope ? sincerely, thank you for responding. I feel like it's an answered prayer to my fears of going this route as a new grad.

Thanks! And yes, I totally get that. I have lots of information and notes re: the route of CRNA going through a peds ICU - feel free to DM me on here and we can talk more 

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I don't know why it's not letting me DM on here, BUT, I will keep this thread saved, so that I can bother you later on for info on the peds cicu to CRNA ? I will tackle one hurdle at a time and pay my dues as a new grad. Thank you again! 

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.

Maybe because you're new to this site and haven't posted enough? But yes feel free! Or if you wanna message me on Reddit or IG?

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Specializes in RETIRED Cath Lab/Cardiology/Radiology.
CLoveR49 said:

I don't know why it's not letting me DM on here,

Living2Learn said:

Maybe because you're new to this site and haven't posted enough?

Bingo!

After you have 15 substantial posts, your DM feature will be activated.  ?

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