mattb1989

Thank you both for the words of advice. I will definitely check out the ICU forums mentioned.

Hello all, I just finished my first year of a two-year BSN program in Philadelphia. I did okay academically, averaging about a 3.5, and somehow landed an externship in a neuro ICU with a few others students from my class. My first shadowing experience was pretty low key but I have to admit the whole thing is very intimidating for me, with equipment and routines that I've never learned or been exposed to in my clinicals. Friends and family are telling me this will be a great experience, and fortunately I don't have much else going on this summer except making the most of this externship and making some $$$. I'll be working my first two 12 hour shift next week, a day and night shift (7a - 7p, 7p - 7a) Does anyone have any tips for how to stay level about this whole thing, learning new skills, staying motivated over 12 hours, "getting my hands dirty", and having a healthy perspective of what jobs to aim for? I've been told getting a RN job in this ICU out of school is close to impossible, but not unheard of. For some quick background, I'm a 28 year old guy with experience working in an ER, as well as a unique situation where I took classes in med school but ultimately decided it was not for me (about 5 years ago). It's complicated, and I've worked a lot of odd jobs, but this externship opportunity is building my confidence.