New to STICU. Advice please.

[ChadleyNC]

New Grad (May) here and started my ICU internship in August. Was intended to be 6 months and then we apply for open positions where we were interested in working.

Instead. We are being cut off 6 weeks early and have been assigned to full time positions where they want us to go. For the coming YEAR.

I started my rotation in MICU. I wanted to return there. At the end of my second rotation (CCU) I find out that we are being cut out early and I am going to STICU. STICU at my hospital is not an area I feel I could fit with. Haven't ever worked there. The assignment was made prior to my having been through that rotation. Also it is a very volatile unit in my hospital, full of very aggressive personalities that tend to not get along and rather act like high school cliques.

I recognize the learning opportunity. I recognize that the other option is to go to med/surg, which I did not want to do, that is why I started in the units.

But I am looking for advice from STICU nurses, especially males, that could tell me a few pointers maybe on how to cope or deal with this new assignment, and maybe what to look out for?

I start tonight. I should be in bed right now, but can't sleep as I have no clue what to expect.

Help?

[ukstudent]

From a female. Are you off orientation now? I don't understand how they think you can function in the STICU if you have not been there yet.

As for personalities, go in with an open mind, the bad press from others is just that. Make your own mind up about them, you may find out you like them.

MICU and SICU are different. Me, I like SICU and don't like being floated to the MICU. Is there anyone that you can talk to about being placed back into the MICU? Just remember that surgeons are not God and you should do fine.

[ChadleyNC]

Thanks for the reply. I'm to be on orientation in STICU for 5 nights, and then be given my own assignment with a resource person. I am certain if I need extra time they would give it to me.

There are 10 of us that were interns. There wasonly one position in MICU and they gave it to someone that needed some extra time and nurturing to further develop their skills. I was in MICU for 10 weeks, CCU for 3 and CVICU for 2.

I appreciate your advice.

[pawashrn]

I always tell new nurses admit what you know and admit what you don't know. Simple things like dropping a NGT can be intimidating the first time by yourself. If that is the case get help. Getting help is not wrong. You are protecting the patient who is depending on you to use good judgment. Good luck. head up-shoulders back-strong step.:w00t: