NurseBrittRN replied to Nursng_life's topic in MICU
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.
NurseBrittRN replied to Morgs8664's topic in Critical
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 i...
NurseBrittRN replied to alaskaman's topic in Critical
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...
NurseBrittRN replied to newnurse101's topic in Critical
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...
NurseBrittRN replied to commitmentphobe's topic in Critical
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. ...
NurseBrittRN replied to nikki1018's topic in Critical
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 actua...
NurseBrittRN replied to conway13's topic in Critical
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 ...
NurseBrittRN replied to questioningnurse's topic in Critical
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 ...
NurseBrittRN replied to Trickyp713's topic in Critical
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....
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 g...
NurseBrittRN replied to MICURN6339's topic in MICU
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!
NurseBrittRN replied to Nursng_life's topic in MICU
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.
I don't know of anyone personally but I would really suggest looking at adult ICU positions if you want to continue down the CRNA path. If you have a love for the NICU you could always stay on PRN. I usually work several PRN jobs at a time to broaden...