Happi2BRN

I have been a nurse for 4 years, the first two in telemetry and the past 2 in med/surg. I work in a small hospital and they are considering implementation of a 2-bed ICU. There is an offer of 40 hours of classroom study followed by 4 weeks of clinical training. My question is with my experience and the training completed, does it sound like enough preparation for competent ICU care of patients? I'm interested in this but want to be sure I can provide care for the patients. Thanks for any input.

Ultimately, patient care falls on the nurse. If meds are being passed by someone else but you have to chart on them, you must be sure that the med tech passed them. I always review the chart from the previous shift and make sure that everything that was ordered was done. If you chart it, make sure it was done, just like if you did it and didn't chart it, it is considered not done.

It's so sad that so many of us are able to relate to that one!

I have had patients who request that I flush with saline after the med is pushed. When I tell them that it isn't necessary since they have IV fluids running, they say "Well, everyone else does it". Some days I feel like I can't take proper care of my other patients because I have to cater to the unrealistically demanding ones. I am a good nurse and gladly give the patient meds on time, but I do resent being told how to administer them just so someone can get a rush. I have been a nurse for three years and I still don't know how to handle the manipulative ones.

You summed it up so well! I was once told to remember that all people are equal in the beginning, coming into the world helpless and naked. It's easier to level the playing field when confronted with arrogance and nasty attitudes!

I know that the hospital I work at offers a 20% pay increase if you don't take benefits. I don't know why an employer wouldn't agree to pay more per hour if they didn't have to pay benefits. Insurance, vacation pay, sick time, etc. all cost employers more than paying a little more per hour. All you can do is ask. Good luck.