MOM2B&C

If you haven't yet taken the NCLEX, best of luck on that, and congrats on getting a job offer so quickly, and before completing NCLEX! My situation was very similar to yours...accelerated second degree, scholarship with a work commitment, AND my first job offer was on the neuro unit. I was told that critical care units rarely hire new grads, so get a year's experience under your belt, and if you're still interested in ICU, give it a try then. In the meantime, if you have any opportunities to float off your unit (after you get a few months' experience), that's a great opportunity to see what other units are like. Right now, just concentrate on NCLEX (if you haven't already tested). Beyond that, you should practice your basic neuro assessment skills. Review NIH stroke scale assessment (http://learn.heart.org/ihtml/application/student/interface.heart2/nihss.html), and familiarize yourself with basic neuro conditions (Stroke, seizure, MS, tumors, trauma, menengitis, etc.) and procedures (XLIF, PLIF, ALIF, crani). All your newly-learned skills will be used, because patients just won't conveniently stick to one medical condition, so your TBI patient may also have CHF and DM (and the solu-medrol will shoot the blood sugar to 450....), and maybe alcohol w/d as well. :nuke: Observe everything you can, use all your resources, and don't be afraid to ask questions. You're going to get some wonderful experience!