Mama_Cashew

It bothered me because she was very elaborate with her movements, and reaching in and out of her bag multiple times to grab different colored pens and for some odd reason her pens were really scratchy. It was distracting because although doodling should be quiet, she wasn't! The sewing didn't bother me because that person didn't make any noise. And for those who wonder how I would handle a busy nurses station or floor, I handle my MICU position quite well. Because all the beeps and noises I hear are relevant to my job.

I sat next to a girl once who did nothing but doodle during lectures. It drove me nuts. So I said something to the instructor about it and she said, "maybe she has ADHD and it helps her to concentrate by keeping her hands busy." I say, as long as you sit in the back and get all the notes you need, if it's quiet and helps you, then go for it. I have also sat next to a girl who sewed bows for her kids and it didn't bother me and lo and behold on the next exam she rocked it, because keeping her hands busy actually helped her to concentrate more.

Nursing school exams are like nothing you have ever experienced before. I would recommend picking up a couple of NCLEX study guides so you can practice those types of questions.

I am a new grad in an MICU. Not sure why everyone thinks new grads don't get into ICU, because I am one of three hired into my area. We all get 6 months orientation with a preceptor. If it's where you want to be and you get an offer I say go for it.

It's going pretty well. I have been on the floor for about a month now, and while I know I still have a ton of stuff to learn, I am feeling more and more confident every day. I think one of the reasons I and a few other new grads were hired is so the manager could have us trained the way she wants us trained.

Nope, no previous experience. I got my associates so we don't do a senior internship. Never worked as a tech before anywhere.

I'm a new grad that was hired directly into the MICU. It is possible.

Honestly, I don't think it will hurt your future career at all. I am a new grad who got straight into the MICU without any previous hospital experience and NO preceptorship in an ICU.

When you take your test, you have to show them you turned it off and it gets sealed in a bag. You CANNOT access your phone during the test, not even during breaks. If you do, you run the risk of them cancelling your results.

Where I went to school, it IS all about your grades in the 4 required pre-reqs and your TEAS score. That's it, no essay, no interview. So for my program, yes you need as close to a 4.0 as possible, because those grades are weighted based on which letter they are. The lower your grade, the lower your points, which lowers your chance of getting into the program.

I just granted in May and I really, really wanted to start in my desired specialty, critical care (either ICU or the ED). I applied to every type of job that fit that criteria and pretty much every other position as well. I start Monday at the hospital I wanted to work at AND in the field I wanted, ICU. I say go for it. Can't hurt to apply! A lot of the nurse managers I talked with, prefer new grads because that means they can train them the way they want things done!

Thank you for the advice. I actually have looked at the book you mentioned several times! Guess it's time to get it off my wishlist and put it into my hands!!

Hello everyone, I am writing to seek the advice of those with WAY more experience than I have. I recently accepted a position in the MICU at a local hospital. I was hoping some of those who have worked in this area before could offer some tips and advice for someone starting out in this field. I should add, this is my first position out of nursing school. Thanks in advance!

I actually have tried all three. I originally took my laptop with me, but it was more of a distraction than a help. So I took my iPad and tried using that. Same thing happened. Pen and paper worked best for me. I would print off the power points our teachers provided and write extra notes on those!

At my school, we were only allowed to have 1 pair of earrings. No other piercings were allowed. As for tattoos, they had to be covered. Depending which wrist you get your tattoo on, you could cover it with your watch. That's what I do with the one on my left wrist. I have two other tattoos that can't be covered by scrubs on my right are and I bought a sleeve for those. As for your future as a nurse, I just accepted a position in a Medical ICU and the policy of the place I will be working says as long as the tattoos aren't offensive, you don't have to cover them! Will I cover them anyway, probably, but it's nice to know that I don't have to!