thevez

I'm seriously considering it since I'm still fairly young and has been a nurse for more than a year. Some of the replies here are funny though. For those who pursue masters and are done with it. Please give me an advice thanks!

don't let it get to you. Sometimes, these nurses have something bothering them. IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S THEM!

I am hunted by the asystole alarm sometimes.

Look up sedation drugs such as propofol, precedex, versed drip, etomidate, fentanyl drips neuromuscular blocking agents: nimbex, rocuronium Vasoactive drips that were already mentioned in addition, vasodilators include nitroglycerin drip, nitroprusside drip, esmolol drip, clevedipine, diltiazem drips also learn about your IV fluids brush up on these. Hope you enjoy your rotation!

Ventilators, hard to grasp concept for me though I have been learning day by day about it. The most important concepts you have to remember are the modes, A/C pressure control vs. volume control, Spontaneous/pressure support, etc. If you would like to know more about this. I suggest going to youtube and find videos such as critical care videos about this concept. Also, look up Dr. Jeffrey Guy podcast online, he explains it succinctly.

wow..25K mcgs Fentanyl in a few seconds? Unbelievable.

Don't worry, I feel the same way sometimes. I would suggest to brush up on your skills sometimes. Also, try to find the policy that states the standards of care in the ICU. It will guide you on what is expected of you on the care of patients in the ICU. There will always be a website where you can find these in your intranet hospital website. I am new in the ICU as well. Sometimes, I want to run and hide because of the stress and anxiety but I always tell myself to keep moving forward. I write in a journal about what happens to me at work and my thoughts in my head afterwork to reevaluate what happened and what should I do next time. In that case, those thoughts are out of my mind the next time I go to work. You can do it! It takes atleast 2 years for someone to be really comfortable in ICU so I have heard from the experienced nurses where I work. Also, ask for another preceptor. Your preceptor has attitude problems and has a very high expectation of you.

Learn the protocols Learn about vasoactive drips Order ICU book by Paul Marino. I love ICU. I am new as well but I just love all the thinking that happens about critically ill patients.

I remember lots from nursing school. Gemfibrozil affects the liver. Take Iron with orange juice. Increase in Amylase in the blood can be a sign of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis hurts. Etc. Peak tall T waves can be sign of hyperkalemia. Cool stuff. (sarcasm insert here)

Put patient on nonrebreather, crank that oxygen up, call rapid response. That'll sure get their attention.

Sometimes it depends on the person too. If you really want to become a critical care nurse, please work hard on it and actually put effort into becoming one and not just pulling things out of your a**. Stay humble and be open minded. Learn from others.

People are so critical it's pathetic.

You could have worded your question differently. Don't be offended that people are calling you rude. Make this as a learning opportunity to be better next time.

You're doing what is right for the patient.

Rude. For OP, be yourself and show your professionalism through your work. To heck with everyone who thinks you look young. Looking young won't matter when you are saving lives. Keep doing a good job!