NurseBrittRN

The new version is found here: https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/product/9780323595308?role=student The old version only let me download it to a limited (I think 2) computers so use your own device, not a public device to download.

I have only ever worked ICU but every single nurse on our unit that used to work tele says they love ICU and will never go back.

I say dive right in! I was a new grad in the ICU. The first year was tough. I was pregnant (wobbling like a penguin to a crashing pregnant at 8 months is hard). Then I had a newborn and was coming to work on 3-5 hours of sleep for awhile. BUT it was totally worth it. 9 years later and I am so glad I did it. I love ICU nursing. Ask questions, read the notes in the chart, Google what you don't know. Just be willing to put in the work that first year to two to be able to feel comfortable in the ICU.

I've been in ICU 9 years and have done sporadic travel during that time. I love my travel experiences as they show me the many different ways other hospitals do things. I've picked up some great tricks over the time. With travel nursing you are basically "thrown" in. Your experience should be okay though. You have to learn to go with the flow and be flexible. Sometimes you have no say in days off, shifts, units, floating etc. Esp with the crisis assignments. I was told I had 15 min to pack my bags and move from one hotel to another once. But the pay is worth it to me. The biggest downside to traveling is working with unknown charting systems. I'm an EPIC lover and I've had to use Cerner and Meditech at other facilities which sucks but again it's worth it for the pay and experience.

Good luck! Critical thinking skills are essential for an ICU nurse. Try to think of some examples where you got to utilize them prior. I would mention your desire to be in ICU, that you want to become a great critical care nurse, and eventually take your CCRN etc.

It can be a little overwhelming in the beginning. I was a new grad ICU nurse (and pregnant), and I felt like that first year, being pregnant, having a newborn with zero sleep, and trying to learn how to be a nurse, let alone an ICU nurse, was a lot. But at the end of year 2, I felt much more confident. I will say that "stress" is an individual factor. The few times I've had to work as a med surgeon or step down unit were MUCH more stressful to me than working in ICU, where I can monitor my patient closely, and I'm in much more control of their care. ICU nursing is hands down worth it to me, but I know it's not for everyone. I suggest trying it for at least eight months and seeing how you feel.

Ask questions when you don't understand something fully. Read NP/Dr notes that explain diagnosis and treatment. You can also catch stuff that way. Several times I've seen Dr. notes stating they are ordering something, or changing meds but never actually did it. Followed up with them to make sure they actually put that order in.

You can also access their online CCRN verification website and get a printer friendly version for verification purposes if you need it.

I used several different resources for the exam. Looking back, though, the one that I only really needed was the PASS CCRN question bank. I focused on areas that I was not as familiar with (cardiac). I also read every single rational and test taking tip for each question, even the ones I got write. The questions here most closely mirrored the actual CCRN test and it was hands down the best study material.

I would wait to take ACLS until you get a job. Most hospitals will set up ACLS classes for you and cover the cost.

The more experience you gain, the better you'll feel. 9 years of ICU experience and I'm still concerned about "messing up" or "missing something" but this helps to make you a conscientious nurse. My first year in ICU I was very overwhelmed. By the end of year 2 I started to feel confident. There's no way you're going to know everything and you're not expected to. What's important is to learn as you go. If I get a diagnosis, medication, treatment etc I'm not familiar with, I start Googling immediately and ask other nurses, docs, pharm, etc questions to get familiar with it.

I was a new grade in the ICU 9 years ago. I felt very overwhelmed my first year. I worked with a great team, though, and everyone told me it would be at least a year before I started to feel comfortable. Two years before I gained any real confidence. This made me feel much better. This also allowed me to feel comfortable asking 500 questions a day to the expert nurses on the unit. ICU nurses LOVE when other nurses ask questions instead of doing things without being 100% it's correct. I've been in ICU 9 years and I am now an expert level. Just know it takes time, work and feel free to ask a ton of questions. And read the doctor notes in the chart. It allows you to realize everything going on with the patient and exactly what treatment is for each diagnosis.

Always make sure your suction is set up and ready to go and your ambu bag is close by. Always scan your meds before giving them. Cared for a patient for several days, gave a med before scanning, only to realize they decreased the dosage and I gave too much. No patient harm, but scan first!

Great article! I have been in ICU for almost 9 years and I love it. I am lucky to have gone straight to ICU after graduation. It is the most rewarding career!

Congratulations! This is definitely a test you should study hard for. I used several different materials. I found the PASS CCRN question bank (not the book) was the most helpful.