Telemetry to ICU

Indy, LPN, LVN · Oct 8, 2007

I'm just starting Medical ICU. I worked on a telemetry unit for almost 2 years. I have been a nurse for almost 2 years.
Just wondering if anyone has any advice to prepare for ICU. I plan to purchase the Kathy White mini binder with quick reference information. I also have a Critical Care book so that I can read over things while at home, and I'm planning to purchase a Hemodynamics quick reference book.
Any other suggestions? Thanks.

You probably know more about hemodynamics than you realize. You know how to read a monitor, yes? Something about some acute conditions, like shock and MI's, yes? You will do just fine. It's like with floor nursing, you start off intimidated by all the equipment so you really pay attention to each new "thing" you have to fiddle with. Somewhere in that process you also learn about the conditions the patients are in. Just make sure and, if your patient isn't in dire straights and needs you right that minute, speak up when procedures need to be done that are new to you, and ask to watch one, then to do one. See one, do one, teach one. Yeah, it really works like that.

You'll be fine. Reading in your offtime is good but remember to relax too. ICU is intense at times and can make you a bit nutty so do allow time to not think about it.

cmo421 · Oct 8, 2007

Hopefully they will give u some classes on hemodynamic monitoring,swanz,cvp reads,ICP'c etc,,,, I am sure u will be fine. You have a solid back round now and have it over many d/t your rhythmn knowledge and assessment skills. I always kept a book at my bedside when I was new,I would look things up after a shift that I had encountered. I still look things up all the time. Ask lots of questions, and do not get caught up in the "if my pt looks neat and clean,they r fine" mentality! Robots can do physical care and look at monitors. Treat the pt,not always just the numbers.Good Luck!