Student starting ICU rotations

[MB37]

If you were going to be my preceptor, and I've never set foot in the units, what would you want me to be familiar with? I'm going to be in Neuro ICU for the first 6 or 8 days, then I switch to CSICU. We've had both units in Med Surg, so I'm somewhat familiar with conditions I might see, but that's about it. Someone told me about icufaqs.com, and I've been doing some reading there. Is there anything else I should check out? I don't think it's likely that I could learn the intimate details of hemodynamic monitoring until I've seen someone on it, but I'm trying to understand some of the basic concepts. Thanks!

[johnwaynehair, BSN, RN]

Welcome to the ICU...Hemodynamics is a good first place to start. When I went through my Critical Care rotation, our instructor had us look at all the meds our patient was receiving and break down the route, reason for administration, side effects, etc...Really helped. Do a little reading on the vasopressor, inotropic, and insulin gtts. Review oxygenation and the various methods (Vents, venti masks, NRBs, etc), and when appropriate. There are a few mock code sites on the Internet--take a look at them to get a feel for what really happens in a code (TV does not prepare you). Finally, I would review units on death and dying for your own well being-- the first deaths I witnessed during my nursing education were in ICU, and it helps if you realize it's a part of what goes on in the unit. A little long, but hope it helps.

[MB37]

I've actually gotten to watch 2 codes already, although it was during my psych rotation on a day I got pulled to shadow a chaplain. We do a "mock code" in school, but not for a few more weeks. Thanks, that's a place to start at least - we're on spring break next week, then we head right in when we get back.

[RNperdiem, RN]

After report, comes the full head-to-toe assessment. These are some of the most important ICU skills to learn. Read up on neuro assessments especially and the glasgow coma scale.

[MayisontheWay]

If you were going to be my preceptor, and I've never set foot in the units, what would you want me to be familiar with? I'm going to be in Neuro ICU for the first 6 or 8 days, then I switch to CSICU. quote]

Review neuro assessment...doll's eyes, babinski, etc. What is positive and negative (and good sign, bad sign).

Review EKG strips, cardiac meds, and insulin gtt protocol as others mentioned.

There is sooooo much you could know...these are things you will come across for certain.

[RNBelle]

jump in and dont shy away from anything. i did neuro icu a few days while i was in school. i got lots of practice with NG tubes. in addition to the above suggestions, glaze over ventilators and their settings - as a nurse you wont touch the vent settings but you do need to understand them.