Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

Settling in . . .

Hello,

Just wanted some opinions on how long it took you to adjust to working in the ICU. I'm 2.5 years out of school. Been in a medical/surgical/trauma level II inner-city ICU since graduation. Love it . . . and hate it. Love the challenge, especially a good trauma. But I bring it all home with me. I toss and turn when it is time to sleep, playing and replaying scenarios. What could I have done differently, did I forget something. You know the story. . . . Wondering if any of you felt this way and whether it got better. I would love to step into even a higher level of trauma someday, but second guessing myself now. Thanks for your responses.

Classicaldreams

Featured Replies

  • Guides

I went to ICU shortly after qualifying, initially I hated it and was really overwhelmed much as you have described I kept thinking what if when I got home, had I missed anything could I keep up with the pace, but it was better than where I had come from which was a CVA rehab unit. IT took me about 6 months to feel as if I knew a little bit and began to enjoy the challenge and enjoyed going to work. 12 Months I had a huge confidence crisis when I realised actually how little I knew and how much damage I could potentially do but I had great support and did an ICU diploma which really helped. I spent a further 9 years in ICU, working in different specialities cardiac, surgical, paediatrics, burns and medical and enjoyed most of it although every once in a while did feel that I had so much to learn.

It's not for everyone but it is a fantastic expereince

I am now a senior nurse and I feel that critical care has prepared me for almost anything that gets thrown at me.

  • Author

Thanks for your post and the support. I have been in this particular ICU for 2.5 years. It is a fast-paced ICU, as I have interned/worked in others and sometimes this ICU is just overwhelming. Perhaps I've gone from newbie to comfortable to challenged, I don't know. I seem to be well respected and valued, but as you said, sometimes the more you know, the more you realize you don't know! Sleep and a few days away are valuable. Patience with the learning curve is probably key also.

Again, thanks for the support.

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
Go to topic listing

Currently Reading 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications
Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.