OMG, I just finished my first weekend of orientation on the unit.....and I loved it! I don't think there's anywhere else in the hospital that I'd want to work after experiencing this. All the staff was helpful, relaxed, friendly and welcomed me with open arms....a very supportive environment. I didn't start the shift with seven patients, which is a big plus.
Even though they were "easy" on me this weekend, I can definately see where it can get hectic even with only 1-3 pts. My preceptor was very grateful that I was there Sat night due to two busy pts out of the three (one was a new vent admit)...the third was a stable. I took the stable one for her and followed her for the other two. I've learned a lot already....vent pts are nice. (Those that have had them know exactly what I mean, don't you?)
I would agree with you! Diprivan is a God-send! Especially in the confused, combative patient! If the patient is calm and on a vent I will take that too! Give me the 80 year old, on the vent, with Epi, Levo, and Primacor gtts, anyday! Beats the heck out of......call lights and bathroom duty!
I just can't imagine vents as 1:1. We are always 1:2 unless it's a fresh heart, cvvhd, iabp. I love working in ICU! I enjoy the increased responsibility -- we really play a part in a patient living or dying. I leave work knowing that I actually helped someone:)
And yes, diprivan is wonderful for the patients (and the nurses) who are just plain wild while intubated:cool:
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
If I were not so in love w/ob it would be ICU for me. I floated there many times. I have MUCH respect for you ICU/CCU nurses. More than will ever know. I like it there. SO much to learn. You guys rock.
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.
SmilingBluEyes, it's funny that you should say that... I was thinking that when I get too old for the pace of ICU I'd try OB... my local hospital has a nice little low-risk LDRP unit that has about 1500 deliveries a year. I think I could handle that!
So glad you've found yourself a place that you love.... that'll show!!! I've been in it 6 years... some tough times lately with short staffing.... helping patients and families through their toughest crisis is so REWARDING....
My favorite success story.... patient that has been in the unit basically 5 months, trached on vent... had stroked,,,, we didn't think there was much upstairs... never followed directions.... just got him off the vent... put a passy miur valve on him and he started JUST TALKING TO US!!!!!! With tears billowing down my face, I called his wife at 6am so he could say "good morning.... he turned, looked at me and said.... "that's my beautiful wife"....
No other profession can compare.... glad you found your niche...
(Those that have had them know exactly what I mean, don't you?)
mattsmom81
4,516 Posts
'So much responsibility and so little authority.'
Great description of a nurses' job particularly an ICU nurse, Ratchit. :)
I will also keep PACU in mind Hoolihan...as I is gettin' on in years most definitely...hehe!:roll