scared to go back to picu after 1+ yr

[sbanoo]

Hi everyone

TLDR: been away from picu for 16 months, have a job lined up but i'm terrified to go back. help!

Long version: I am a relatively new nurse. I graduated nursing school in dec 2013 & immediately started working at a level 1 trauma PICU. After 1.5 years I moved to another PICU closer to home, also level 1 trauma. I've had great training but was going through some hard times at the start of my career and feel like everything didn't soak in all the way. I worked at my second hospital for another 1.5 years. Last July I decided to take a year off and travel and volunteer as a nurse and translator. I'm back now and have a job lined up for nov of this year. By the time I start, it will be 16 months that i've been away from a PICU. I have nightmares about once a week that i'm in the hospital and i don't know ANYTHING. of course I know this is crazy, but deep down I have a lot of anxiety about returning.

I want to make myself a little study sheet to re-familiarize myself with some numbers.

i'm thinking I need to practice ABGs, vent settings, blood work...I just get overwhelmed thinking of it all. Does anyone have any tips for me at this time?

Thank you thank you thank you for any and all help! I love this community :)

[quittaRN]

I know its been a while since you posted this but I too am about to return to PICU nursing after being out for about 4 years. I have been working mainly NICU but I have missed the PICU dearly. I am wondering if you returned to the PICU yet and if so how did it go. I think you will be fine ultimately and if anything you can also ask for and extended orientation if you need it. I think that once your in the setting it will all come back to you. Good luck!