from OR nurse to ICU nurse

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Hello! So I'm about to make a big life change. I have been a nurse for over 4 years but have spent the last two years working in the operating room. So I'll be the first to admit I am RUSTY and I have a lot of catching up to do.I accepted a position in a Level 1 Trauma/Surgical ICU and I will be transferring in 6 weeks. I am very nervous but excited for the challenge. I will have approximately 12 weeks of orientation and I want to make the most of this time...but I also want to prepare now for getting my mindset in check. Any resources/tips/advice? I know this topic has been discussed but I am not only new to the ICU and new to trauma/surgical but also feel I am back at a new grad (or lower) level! Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Capacity/Bed Management.

Congratulations on making the change to ICU nursing. A couple of tips:

-Ask Questions. ICU nurses (the majority) love to teach

-Research typical meds for your ICU patients. (Levophed, Vasopressin, Esmolol, Lopressor, etc)

-Essentials of Critical Care Orientation (ECCO) is a course for new ICU nurses that is usually provided by the education dept.

-Get comfy with ventilators and ask respiratory therapy any questions you may have

-Review pathophysiology behind common ICU illness/events

-ACLS/BLS

-Enjoy your orientation!

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