Three more weeks of orientation...

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...and then I'm on my own! I'm terrified! I've been a nurse for two years, and I'm thrilled to be in ICU. My preceptors have said that I'm doing a great job and I'm exactly where I should be, but I feel like a brand-new nurse all over again. I'm so afraid of completely drowning when I'm on my own, like I did at first when I started out on a telemetry unit. I don't know if I'm looking for advice (got any?) or a pep talk or if I just needed to vent a little, but I figured this is the place!

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Specializes in ICU.

I was in your shoes a year ago- trust me, it will feel like you are a new grad again for a while, but just like when you were a new grad, you'll settle in gradually and feel more comfortable over time. I am SO glad that I have found my niche in ICU, and grateful to have had an amazing preceptor (who I am still convinced knows everything regarding critical care nursing..lol). As always- ask questions, ask questions, ask questions. Good luck to you!!

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Congrats! yes critical care has a totally new learning curve when you move into it-I had been a nurse 9 years before I moved to ICU...I was amazed at how much I didn't know. you will always continue to learn, and don't worry-they will give you stable pts, transferring out of icu pts, long term pts, etc...and will always watch you and ask if you need help. at least they should! congrats!

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