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We do not run ANYTHING with lipids. They run only via a central line in their own lumen. TPN can be run with other drips through a mannifold in my unit but lipids must run alone!

Our unit is a twelve bed unit. we have only two private rooms on each end but the rest is an open layout so each bed is visible from the nurse's desk. We have plans in progress for a Children's Hospital in which every room will be private..scary to us as well.. Janfrn...just reading through your sedation issues. I was suprised to hear you don't use paralytics much. Every intubated kid in our unit has orders for usually fentany, versed, and vecuronium. We use it often and can give it up to every hour. I've heard that many PICU's do not use paralytics and am surprised at that. Do sedatives usually maintain your kids at a proper level of sedation? I thank God for paralytics because we all know intubated kids can be very wild. Along with our PRN sedation we usually have fentanyl and versed drips running. Almost never use Morphine drips. Only kids we ever use Morphine PRN on are the open heart kids. Interesting!

I agree-We use the snap test but do not rely on it. We do not remove the wire or use the tube until it is confirmed by x-ray.

At the hospital where I work they hire new grads into the NICU, and we are a Level III NICU. I don't see why they wouldn't hire you. Ever think of PICU? It is probably the closest in some respects to NICU. It's much more variety than NICU but always exciting! Do they hire new grads into PICU there?

It sure is challenging but if you're up for the challenge, my hat is off to you. I think new grads also have things to offer in the PICU, or any unit for that matter. I don't know that starting at any other unit if the PICU is where you really want to be would help. I can see going to a Peds floor first, but sometimes you learn things the right way if you go right to the PICU. We do things differently from the floor and it's easier to learn things the way the PICU does it the first time then have to re-learn. Just my opinon!

I work in the PICU and we currently have two kids on Sildenafil. We use it quite a lot on our kids and it seems to do a good job!

Hershey starts out at 22.80 approximately for GN's. They are a great educational hospital and offer great benefits, and loan repayment. They also have a great orientation program. Great place to work!

I work at a PICU in pennsylvania. I typically have two kids, if they are both "stable." We have great teamwork here and are planning on building a new childrens hospital so that should be nice. Right now we are a twelve bed unit, and we need about 20-25! Welcome

Hi!! I am a totally new grad in the PICU. I love it there. It is really really stressful and at times overwhelming but it really is a great place. I would reccomend going to the PICU if you're sure thats what you really want to do. It requires a lot of you and you have to be extremely focused on your job. I am just completing my 20 week orientation this Saturday and I'll be on my own after that. Make sure the PICU you choose offers great teamwork because if it wasn't for that, I wouldn't have made it through. No one expects you to know everything but everyone expects you to ask if you aren't sure. I ask questions everyday about things that I am positive I know how to do but I'll just ask someone to double check to make sure it is correct. These children are so fragile and sick that one mistake could be it. Check, check, and check what you do. The PICU is a great learning experience and I highly reccomend going straight there after school if you're ready for a challenge!! Let me know if I can help you out anymore!!

I am going straight into a large PICU when I graduate in May 07. It is a 6 month orientation for new graduates. It wasn't extremely hard to get the job- I think if PICU is definately want you want and your heart is in the PICU you won't have trouble finding a job. I can't wait to start mine!! Good Luck- Let me know

And can you give me the answer and the rationale to that?!?! thanks so much!

Helllo Everyone! I am leading a class for my senior seminar, and I have to do it on interviewing tips, typical questions to expect at an interview, resume writing, etc. Could anyone give me suggestions on any of these aspects? Anyone with any typical questions, your help is appreciated! I had an interview for the PICU and got the job, but I wanted questions from other aspects of nursing, also. Med/Surg, etc! Thank you for any and all of your help!:monkeydance:

jsu102- do you work at Hershey? I just recently took a job there!

KellieNurse06- You are an angel. I'm sure you take wonderful care of your child. It takes a strong person. Oh, and about the assume- You hit the nail on the head!! I love that line. I definately will keep in touch! Wish me luck and pray for me. I am just really nervous that everything is going to overwhelm me and I'm not going to learn everything that I need to. For some reason I think everyone will know more than me. I am trying to stop these thoughts, but it is hard. I try to be as confident as possible, and everyone is telling me I'll do wonderful, but I am just nervous!

WOOOHOOOO I just did too!!! Nurses need some recognition too!!! I know Oprah loves teachers, and I think nurses deserve some respect for the hard work and dedication! :monkeydance: