RN_BSN

I just started a residency program in med/surg ICU, 18 beds, day shift. WOW! I was an excellent student in nursing school, so I assumed it would be scarey but not too bad...I was wrong. As a student, we can go to our preceptor, or whatever, we are under their license..BUT as a licensed RN, we are 100% responsible for everything we do. Very overwhelming. We graduate from nursing school prepared to learn how to be nurses. We know the information from the books, but now we need to learn how to apply it. By going directly into critical care we are learning basic nursing and critical care nursing at the same time, it can be a bit of a sensory overload. BUT! I am encouraged. Every day I learn something, and every day I get a little better. One of the nurses I work with reminded me that there is a HUGE learning curve when starting in the ICU, as well as a very steep comfort level curve. I was not used to feeling so lost! Do not be afraid to ask questions, and learn to develope a thick skin. This will be YOUR practice, be your own advocate, dont let older nurses deter you from learning to be the best nurse you can be. For me, studying didnt stop after graduation. You will need a good critical care book, and be willing to spend time reading it, along with journal articles to keep yourself up to date with evidence based nursing practice. And finally - this site is a blessing. You will find encouragement and great resources here! Good luck!

Congratulations! :balloons:

Hey everyone, new grad here! Silly me, jumped right into the Med Surg ICU!! While I love it, it is kicking my new grad butt! Ive never felt so undertrained in my life! The residency program I am in helps, but what do you do for the poor bruised, beat up, okay totally shredded self-confidence at the end of another 12 hour shift!

HI! I am a new grad, and have loved the ICU all through school., I precepted 290 hours in the ICU and have now been hired into a Residency program in Med Surg ICU. While I love the challenge, I am begining to feel like a big dummy head! I am, or was for that matter a 3.7 and above student, and as this is my second career, I am very comitted to this. BUT! Wow! When will I start feeling good about my days? Instead (ive worked 3 12 hour shifts) I come home and think about all the bonehead things Ive done, like give my intubated pt. PO meds through his OG tube, and then HOOKING him back up to LIS! What the heck!?! Good thing my nurse preceptor was there, to ask me what I was thinking... Any advice?