Reference book for new grad in the ICU

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Hello, I am a new grad and am looking for a good reference book for critical care. I have heard about Portable RN, but was not sure if something else would be better? Also if anyone has a good reference sheet for rounds, hand off... That would be great too!

Thanks

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Specializes in ICU.

I like "Fast Facts for Critical Care" as a book to have on my desk during my shift. A LOT of the nurses on my floor have one. You can also buy inserts for Balloon pump, Open Heart surgery, and trauma if you deal with patients like that.

It's just an easy to use small 3 ring binder. You can add in your own pages, etc. which is really helpful.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I second the need for Fast Facts for Critical Care by Kathy White. I"ve had one for over 10 years...keep updating it as it comes out. She also now has iPhone apps so you can download to your device but I admit I like the binder better.

:-)

I also have "Quick Reference to Critical Care" by Nancy Diepenbrock.

The ICU book is great.

And a little known reference residents use during their critical care rotation:

from Tarascon, internal medicin and critical care pocketbook

(link: http://www.tarascon.com/products/?bc=6919-2). That little book is cheap and has tons of info that will be helpful.

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fast facts, end thread

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Specializes in Med-Surg Nursing.

Another vote for Fast Facts for Critical Care by Kathy White Learning Systems. I met her at NTI in 2008. She was SO nice!

I also like the Diepenbrock "Quick Reference for Critical Care". I'd say get them both.

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Specializes in CCRN, House Sup, CCT, Unit Director, ICU.

May I suggest index by Mark Hammelschmidt. He also has a great book which is a compilation of everything on his website. It will answer probably every question you have as well as explain things in a readable, understandable, and amusing manner.

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Specializes in floor to ICU.
May I suggest index by Mark Hammelschmidt. He also has a great book which is a compilation of everything on his website. It will answer probably every question you have as well as explain things in a readable, understandable, and amusing manner.

I wish I could quadruple kudos this post. Icufaqs.org is the BEST resource ever!!!

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Specializes in ICU.

Agreed. I bought the ICUfaqs book and its pretty awesome. Very readable.

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Specializes in MICU, SICU, and transplants.

I am a new grad (2 months exp.) and have all the above-mentioned reference books. I got them because they are highly recommended. However, at this point I find that I need more than a reference - I need explanations. When I come home with questions, I use 3 books:

1) Critical Care Nursing: a holistic approach (by Patricia Gonce Morton and Dorrie Fontaine) - this is a textbook

2) Critical Care Nursing Certification (by Ahrens, Prentice and Kleinpell) - this has fantastic practical information in the review section and is well indexed

3) Manual of Critical Care Nursing (by Swearingen & Keen) - condensed disease process and treatments, labs, etc.

Hopefully you find what you're looking for!

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Notes on ICU nursing (Hammerrschimdt)and Fast Facts(Kathy White). These 2 I swear by!!!

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Specializes in ICU.
I am a new grad (2 months exp.) and have all the above-mentioned reference books. I got them because they are highly recommended. However, at this point I find that I need more than a reference - I need explanations. When I come home with questions, I use 3 books:

1) Critical Care Nursing: a holistic approach (by Patricia Gonce Morton and Dorrie Fontaine) - this is a textbook

2) Critical Care Nursing Certification (by Ahrens, Prentice and Kleinpell) - this has fantastic practical information in the review section and is well indexed

3) Manual of Critical Care Nursing (by Swearingen & Keen) - condensed disease process and treatments, labs, etc.

Hopefully you find what you're looking for!

I love Manual of Critical Care Nursing. I think a new edition is about to be released. VERY thorough, but not too thick (like the ICU book).

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What's Portable RN?

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