Precepting in the PICU

[chickidee717]

Hello all! I am for sure doing pediatrics when I graduate (a year). I was always drawn to NICU and thought that was what I wanted to do. But, after clinicals I feel in love with the pediatric ICU. There is just something about it that I was drawn to more than the NICU.

I got into a clinical elective this summer for the PICU. I will have a preceptor for 90 hours over the course of 3 months. I was wondering if there was a PICU nursing book that would help me out before I start? I know that there is so much to learn about the PICU. I am looking for a book that discusses common diseases/injuries, what to do, and procedures. For example...this is what a PICC line is, this is how you draw blood from it, stuff like that. And for the diseases/injuries...for instance with increased ICP what kind of care should you follow? I.e-keeping the head of the bead elevated. Obviously more complex but is there a book like this that exists that will give me an edge? So that when I walk in there I will be more confident.

I have tried bookstores but they all have to be ordered online. So, any advice will be great. (I dont want to spend $60 on a book I wont use) Thank you guys for all your help :)

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

You might want to look at Critical Care Nursing Made Incredibly Easy and Pediatric Nursing Made Incredibly Easy. AACN has two really great texts, one is a core curriculum and the other a procedure manual, but they're pricy. (>$90 per book.)

[MachoNurse, BSN, RN]

Congratulations, Chickidee! I just started my PICU preceptorship, and so far, so good. I think it's on the lower end of PICUs, but I'm grateful to be there. Let us know how it goes for you.

Macho Nurse

[Scooby484k]

Congrats! I'm a relatively new grad who also spent some nursing school time in the PICU (and now I work in one). When I was there, I found this book helpful (albeit a bit thick):

Core Curriculum for Pediatric Critical Care Nursing (2006) by Margaret C. Slota (editor)

ISBN-13: 978-1-4160-0157-7

It has a some case studies in the back that I thought were good.

Good luck!!

[Scooby484k]

PS - you can get the book I mentioned for around $65 on Amazon, probably cheaper if you go to Half.com or get it used somewhere.... good luck!

[cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP]

That's really cool. Congratulations on getting into the clinical elective in the PICU, I hope you enjoy it. Be sure to use this opportunity as a time to network.

!Chris

[Mexarican]

Congrats! I'm a relatively new grad who also spent some nursing school time in the PICU (and now I work in one). When I was there, I found this book helpful (albeit a bit thick):

Core Curriculum for Pediatric Critical Care Nursing (2006) by Margaret C. Slota (editor)

ISBN-13: 978-1-4160-0157-7

It has a some case studies in the back that I thought were good.

Good luck!!

I'm also a new grad (May, 2009) and I'm now working in a PICU and it's so funny but i also got this book as well! It's awesome! Definately recommend it!

Mex