Transferring from med-surg to Icu

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi guys.. I have been doing med-surg and telemetry for appx 7 years. I am now interesting in transferring to ICU. Any advice? Thanks in advance.

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Learn your drips. If you're tele you have ACLS and know the meds, but in ICU you'll be dealing with the critical drips. Vents, too.

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Those 7 years of tele will have taught you so much. An ICU patient has a few more "attachments" (vent, arterial lines, etc.) but many are not that much different from the paitients you are taking care of now. Acuities are not what they used to be on the floors.

Shadow in different hospital's ICU's to get a feel of the enviroments, and find the best fit of unit culture and a good orientation.

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Specializes in ICU/ER/TRANSPORT.

I Agree Refresh Your Acls/pals, Especialy Your Cardiac Rhythms. I'm Sure They're Not Expecting You To Know What Degree Block That Is But Know Your Deadly Rhythms, And Another Thing When You Get Back There Don't Be Afraid To Utilize Your Support Staff (i.e. Resp Therapy) Have One Of Them Give You Some Info On Basic Vent Manegment. But With Everything, It Takes Time..

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Specializes in ICU/CCU, CVICU, Trauma.
Hi guys.. I have been doing med-surg and telemetry for appx 7 years. I am now interesting in transferring to ICU. Any advice? Thanks in advance.

Learn ventilators & their different delivery methods (AC, IMV, pressure control, pressure support, PEEP, APRV, etc.).

Learn ABG's & critical labs.

Learn sepsis, ARDS, DIC, multiorgan failure.

Learn drugs & drips, including standard concentrations and titration.

Learn full assessments.

Don't let this scare you. It all will come together with orientation and experience. It's worth it. Your tele experience will definitely help.

Good luck!

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