Tips for a New PICU Nurse

[EmxoRenee]

I passed my boards several weeks ago, and I begin orientation for a new position as a nurse in a PICU this Monday. My first week will be all classroom based orientation, I believe, and then I hit the unit running the following week! I am beyond excited, as this is my dream position, but also very nervous!

Does anyone have any helpful tips for a new grad PICU nurse? Either things that you encourage doing, or things that can be annoying when new nurses do, that I should try to avoid?

Thanks for any tips!

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Remember that your patient is part of a family- and that you may not agree with choices that family has made for their child. And unless THAT is a safety or abuse issue- you need to let it go.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

I think Meanmaryjean said it right... The parents/guardians will have to make difficult decisions. There will be at times ethical issues.. just remember you are there to support the patient and family in their decisions and outcomes. You are there to report what you see, hear, feel, document, and ensure that the patient stays safe.