critcarequeen93

You will get there but it's going to take time; give yourself at least a year! I started as a new grad. CVICU is a big deal! Ask questions constantly.. ask the "why" behind everything you do. Eventually hearts will start to feel routine and you will begin to notice patterns and anticipate orders and your time management will improve. Don't be too hard on yourself though. Learn which coworkers you can utilize as a mentor and seek their advice. Most of all, don't forget to enjoy every wild crazy minute of CVICU!

I've been in the ICU for a year, started as a new grad when I was 22 and I absolutely love it. I recently had my first patient who was in their 20s, overdosed, cardiac arrest, was resuscitated and ultimately ended up brain dead a few days later. I developed a close rapport with the family the week this patient was with us. I admitted the patient, worked with our donor network all week, and even attended the organ harvest. It was an experience I'll never forget and I'm grateful to have been able to be a support to that family. But I am so emotionally drained. How do you sort through those emotions?

Oh no! That is so frustrating, but thank you! I appreciate any advice

Thank you so much for your tips! I will put them into practice when I start working!

Hey Everyone! I just graduated in May with my BSN and take my NCLEX in a few weeks. Starting in July I will be working in a general ICU. I don't have much ICU experience, however I worked as a nurse intern for a year on a Med/Surg unit and worked fairly independently within my scope of practice. I am very excited to start, but also scared! I am a quick-learner, I ask questions, I am on the quieter side but know when to speak up. My goal is to be an excellent and safe nurse, and I am so passionate about nursing, but I know it will not be easy! What advice do you all have to help a new grad succeed?