Over my head in ICU

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I've been a nurse in LTC and jails for 12 years. I finally took the leap to get my RN and graduated in May 2020. Immediately, I got a job in Neuro ICU, and was excited and nervous because I've always dreamt I'd eventually be in the ICU. HOWEVER, I find myself making small mistakes now 7 months in, and I feel like LTC barely prepared me. It's a whole different world. Maybe I'm prideful, and I knew I'd have to learn from those more experienced than I, but didn't expect to feel so out of place. I have been supervising for 7 of my 12 years, and woundcare specialized. Does anyone else have any experience with taking such a lateral transition? I have an excellent team of helpful nurses, but I cant help but feel like I should be better. I learn something new every day at work! 

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I've done both ICU and LTC. It's not a lateral move, in any way, shape or form. Realistically, you've started over. Each specialty move is that way. Cut yourself some slack, continue to learn, especially from your mistakes, and be the best nurse that you can be. Right now things are stressful with covid, whether you work with that patient population or not. Just breathe, and listen to your mentors and managers. Believe me, you're going to be fine

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Specializes in retired LTC.

^^^^^This!

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

You picked up more skills than you're giving yourself credit for in your time in LTC. You have made a huge switch and you're certainly competent enough for the job, you're just building a new skill set. Give yourself some time, especially in this time of COVID things are extra challenging, you'll get settled in. Good luck!

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I was a new grade in the ICU 9 years ago. I felt very overwhelmed my first year. I worked with a great team, though, and everyone told me it would be at least a year before I started to feel comfortable. Two years before I gained any real confidence. This made me feel much better. 

This also allowed me to feel comfortable asking 500 questions a day to the expert nurses on the unit. ICU nurses LOVE when other nurses ask questions instead of doing things without being 100% it's correct. I've been in ICU 9 years and I am now an expert level. Just know it takes time, work and feel free to ask a ton of questions. And read the doctor notes in the chart. It allows you to realize everything going on with the patient and exactly what treatment is for each diagnosis. 

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