Tips for new SICU CNA

LittleCa, CNA · Apr 25, 2021

Hi,

I know this was a couple of weeks ago but I hope it can still be helpful. I've been a monitor tech/CNA/unit clerk at a cardiac ICU for almost two years now.

The hardest part for me was learning what the supplies were. I was always asked to fetch stuff and half the time I didn't know what they were asking for. So I say get familiarized with the supply room and don't be afraid to ask for someone to show you where something is. I always volunteered to restock the carts because that helped me learn.

What I do the most is bed baths, changing linens on an occupied bed and helping people to the bathroom. There is usually a lot of tubes and pumps around the patient so I always ask my nurse how she wants to do whatever we are doing so that we are a well reheorificed team.

You might need to do compressions during a code. It's terrifying, the only way out is through, but you'll get used to it. It's good experience.

Last but not least, ICUs can be a very sad place. There is such a thing as ICU humor for a reason. Talk to your team about it. My ICU crew is a close knit team. We talk a lot about the *** we see happening around us all the time. It makes you more grateful for how good you have it. And it definitely makes you want to be healthier (there is a reason why most ICU nurses are health nuts).

It's been an amazing experience to me. And since the nurses know I want to be a nurse, they are always teaching me stuff. I try to be as helpful as I can always and they are super grateful for it.

Give yourself time to learn. Don't be afraid to ask for help or look dumb. And give yourself time to recover when you need to. I hope this is as great of an experience for you as it has been for me.

RN_OneDay, CNA · Apr 28, 2021

Thank you @LittleCa for your response, I really appreciate it! I'll make sure to not suffer in silence and ask questions about anything I don't know. I'm anxiously looking forward to all the things I'll be learning once I start.