TIPS for New Grads entering ICU

[NurseJoy101]

Hey all!

I'll be starting in the ICU as a new grad (it is possible!) next month. I will be oriented into the unit, but I am always open to hear tips and tricks from both New Grads and seasoned nurses!

New Grads:

- what would you say was the most difficult aspect of ICU nursing for you?

- How did you overcome this?

Seasoned nurses:

- what skills have you seen new grads lacking in?

- What advice would you give all new grads starting in the ICU?

All:

- what do you typically do after receiving report to make sure your shift goes as smoothly as possible?

- And what about at the end of your shift?

- What would info would you relay to the oncoming shift just to be courteous?

- What would you do during your shift to make the oncoming shifts' day easier?

Maybe we can even fashion this post as a...

PLEASE START - sharing info about ICU nursing for those with little experience. :)

[sarahicu]

I have worked in icu for 2+ years, been a nurse for 4+. Before icu, I worked on a med-surg floor. Transitioning to icu wasn't an easy task, I felt like a new nurse all over again. With that being said, don't give up. I have seen many new grads come and go since working in icu and I have helped precept a few. One thing I have learned is I doubt them too soon. If it had been my decision only about 1/5 this past year would've made it, and now 4/5 are doing very well. Here are some tips:

I have always, since day one got to work early, just how I am. (obviously in icu you have the opportunity to know more about your patient than on the floor.) So I get to work early (20-30 min) and look up my patient's history, recent labs, all attendings, and recent vitals/incidents.

One of my pet peeves is report from new grads. Be calm and take your time but don't ramble. I understand report takes time, but we really don't care if the patient had vanilla or chocolate pudding. Let me know they are tolerating their diet or if they threw up and aspirated.

Here is a decent outline.

Pt name, age, code status, admission date and reason. attendings on case. medical history, allergies, significant surgeries. Start with when they were admitted and go in chronological order of what happened. It's a story, remember. Now, in report go by systems: Neuro, Cardiac, Pulmonary, GI, GU, Skin, IV, Labs, PRN meds, any recent events that are worth mentioning.

Hang in there, it won't always be easy. Nursing is an emotional roller coaster at times, but it is worth it. Be nice to the more experienced nurses, we will help if we know you appreciate it and ask.