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We have started using quite frequently. If fentanyl and versed are not doing the trick we usually add precedex. We have kiddos that are on precedex for a while. We are able to stop other sedation meds and keep precedex running for extubations. It takes awhile to take effect and lowers the heart rate significantly. Boluses need to be done at least over 20 minutes or there can be side effects such as bradycardia and hypotension. It has been a great drug for us!

I graduated last May and started in the PICU in June. I was scared to death!!! I finished orientation in September and I have survived and actually enjoyed it! I will say everyday I probably have a little scare where my heart will jump but I just have to take a minute to breath and think. I love the PICU because I love the variety and type of patients. I also have comfort in the fact that the minute something is wrong with my patient there are ten people in the room to assist. I also work at a huge teaching hospital so I have learned a lot from my co-workers. I ask a million questions on a daily basis and I am slowly starting to feel a little more comfortable. I will say that my orientation group is divided, half of the people love it and half look miserable on a daily basis. I think you will know pretty quickly if you will love the PICU. I do believe you should give yourself some time to adjust it.You have opportunity to learn a wealth of information. Good Luck! If you have any questions let me know.:monkeydance:

I passed the NCLEX with 76 questions!!!! I am so exicted and relieved. I was testing in the 60s on Kaplan questions trainer. I am finally a RN!!!!!!!!!:balloons:

I took my exam today also and had 76 questions! I am feeling very nervous!!!!!!!

I just have a question to those of you who have been using the kaplan question trainer. I was wodnering what you have been scoring on the test??? I am taking the test Wednesday and have been scoring in the 60s. Should I be worried??? I am feeling like I have not prepared enough for the NCLEX!!! I am starting to get really nervous! Thanks for any info

I did accept a job in one of the PICU. I began orientation in June. Currently I am attending classes and have days on the floor but will not be on my own till June. At times I love being there and at other time I worry I made a horrible decision! I have spoken with my fellow new coworkers and they all express the same fears. I truly believe I will always enter the PICU with alittle fear. Gradually I hope I will feel more comfortable. I think the main issue is that I surrounded by brilliant people and that can be imitating at times but it also gives me inspiration for the future! I think this is an area I am going to love! Just wondering.. why did you leave the PICU??

Thank You! I have interviews coming up and the information you provided will be a huge benefit!!! One of the PICU has a large turnover and that makes me really nervous. I also hear other nurses from other floors complain about PICU nurses. This hospital is far more advanced than the other one I'm thinking about. I'm not sure if the turnover alone or bad talk should scare me away. Thanks you for help!!!!!!

Thanks so much for the advice. I guess I'm feeling nervous because I'm back from break for my last semester. The instructors keep drilling in our heads to be studying now!!! I was feeling overwhelmed. Thanks for the advice on Sanders. That is the book we use for our class so it sounds like it is very helpful! Thanks again for your advice.:) :) :)

Sorry for the confusion....I am in my last semster of school. I will be taking the NCLEX in May. I was hoping to try to devlop a plan of studying now so I do not feel overwhelmed right at the end.

I graduate in May and want a head start on the NCLEX. Any advice on where to begin? how to decide what to study? organize? I feel very overwhelmed and do not even know where to begin. I feel like there is so much info i do not know still. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated!!!!!!!!!

i am graduating in may and really am interested in the picu. i am trying to decide between to different hospitals. i was wanting some advice on what to look for in a good picu. is there anything that should steer me ony way vs. another. i have never worked in a picu so i am very unfamiliar with the envirnoment. any information would be greatly appreciated.