New to PICU

Published

Hello all,

I just got hired at CHOA in the PICU, this will be my first time in an ICU setting and first time in peds! I am extremely excited but would like some advice from the ICU and PEDS perspective!

Thanks!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to PICU nursing

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We could probably give more useful advice if we had some idea of your background and prior experience, but I'll toss in my two cents.

I started out in peds, then moved to big people after about 15 years. It was a bit of a shock--I had to brush up on some med-surg stuff I hadn't seen since nursing school. If you're moving in the opposite direction, I'm sure it's similar--there's lots of stuff in peds you never see in adults. Add in all the size differences, drug dose calculations, tiny veins and volumes, developmental stuff, and parents, and it can feel like another planet.

I'm sure you'll get a very thorough orientation. Ask questions, take your time, listen to parents--no one knows a kid better, and always listen to your gut--usually it will tell you the kid is going downhill long before the monitor alarms start ringing.

Good luck--peds/PICU is an awesome place to work.

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Thank you! I did orthopedics for a year and then I tried the OR and quickly figured out that is not for me. Then I figured out that critical care would probably be a good fit for me and I always had an interest in peds.

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Specializes in Peds/Critical Care/UM.

Just to follow up...how is your experience with Peds ICU going? I came from the PCICU and am now trying to return to the PICU. I have an interview Friday. I feel like a new nursing student again since I have been away from the bedside for about 4.5 years now. Please let me know how it's going and maybe you can enlighten me to any changes in practice while I was away :)

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Hello!

So far I have been with a preceptor for a month and I love it so far. Still so much to learn going from adult orthopedic world to pediatric icu. It should be an easier transition for you though.

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Specializes in Peds/Critical Care/UM.

That is awesome! PICU is definately not boring! Always something new to learn í ½í¸€

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Specializes in PICU.

Since I garduated 9 years a go till this moment I am a PICU nurse. I joined general peds for one month but couldn't survive as I realised it wasn't my place and back to PICU.I Love taking care of little babies who are critically ill to get well ASAP. Helping this vulnerable kids to be able to smile again and support their family in stressful time is absolute pleasure. Indeed makes me feel that I have a great mission in my life. Honestly, PICU strength my personality and encourage my professional growth. Therefore, I continue my study while I am working there and got my MSc last year.

There is no similar days in PICU each day has its story.Yet same cmplicated environment, different cases: surgical, medical, truma...ects, different procedures.. lots opportunities to learn and develop your knowledge and enahnce skills, specially when you join the daily round and the unit activities.

Please go a head and join PICU. you won't regret it if love kids and willing to learn lots of skills and gain knowledge .

It is my pleasure to help you if you have any concern.

all the best:)

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