Rehired to ICU?

[joeytran]

Dear Allnurse readers,

I've worked on a medical/surgical floor for 15 months and because my hospital doesn't have a bridge program for nurses to move on to IMC/step-downs/ICU/ER, I then took a plunge and appplied to a bigger hospital and luckily was hired to SICU residency program at WHC. The program itself is 12 weeks with classes and floor training. Due to the commute, new hospital setting, plus the stress medsurg vs ICU, i did not make the cut. After 6 weeks, I had an evaluating with my director, educators, and both my preceptors, I decided I was not ready for ICU. I took a position in the step down ICU - Neuro IMC. While I was in IMC, both my directors from SICU came to visit me and asked if i like the place and would like for me to reapply in 6 months. I have been on Neuro IMC for 16 months now. One morning, one of my preceptor from SICU got floated to my floor and "blessed me" she is the nurse i am given my report to. Of course, my heart rate increased, my palms got all sweaty, and i literally had a stress/anxiety feeling i had a year ago when she trained me. Honest to god, i think i was able to give a report that i am so not ashamed of all thanks to my 16 months of step-down.

I know i have this crazy, nerve wrecking fear for ICU, but the first time i step into that unit for the interview a year ago, I promise myself i will come back no matter what. The equipments, the noise, the serious faces, the massive of knowledge i need to comprehend everyday i was there, for these, i think i can over come my own fear crazy anxiety.

So here is my question (i apologized for the long length story), I want to try and apply for ICU again. What can i do different this time around? What can i do to better prepare myself?

Thanks,

Joey

[sapphire18]

The equipments, the noise, the serious faces, the massive of knowledge i need to comprehend everyday i was there, for these, i think i can over come my own fear crazy anxiety.

This part made me laugh. Only because it's so true, and I sympathize with you. I am one of the weird ones who likes the equipment, noise/alarms, knowledge...and well maybe not the serious faces. Then again, ICU is a pretty serious place (at least in front of the pts/families).

Anyways, don't let the machines and noise overwhelm you. Try to learn one thing at a time- don't bite off more than you can chew. Look at each thing hooked up to the patient separately, and think about the rationale for each thing separately. With time and experience, you will be able to put it all together to see the big picture.

Look things up. Ask questions- no matter how dumb you think they are. Preceptors would rather have you ask questions so that they know where you are, and they can then tailor their educational techniques to meet your needs.

If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, make lists. Break everything down. To-do lists for the shift, lists of diagnoses, procedures, equipment, lab values, whatever. You can do it! Good luck!!