What to expect on CICU?

[bankssarn]

I just accepted a position on a coronary intensive care unit. I'm a fairly new nurse, with two years of RN experience, mostly on telemetry. I'm excited about this new opportunity, but also a little nervous. I've never worked in an ICU before. I don't really know what to expect. It seems intimidating. There's so much to learn. I will be a member of the rapid response team and the code blue team. It's a scary thought right now! I know I'll learn in time. I'm just wondering, for those who have experience in this area, what can I expect? I want to learn as much as I can. Obviously, nothing trumps hands-on experience, but can you recommend any reference books or sites? Any pointers will be greatly appreciated!

[Bluebolt]

It's funny to me that multiple ICU nurses are pointing you towards the ICUfaqs website. It really is a great source for learning the ICU and difficult concepts. I'm one of those people that breezed through nursing school and hardly studied and could score A's or B's on the tests. I say that to say that for the ICU, I had to study, and still study to this day. I'm studying for the CCRN now and learning new things every day. I listen to podcasts like "ICU Rounds", read up on ICUfaqs, look in ICU reference books, watch Med School vent teaching video's on youtube, etc. There is always more to learn as an ICU nurse and you will be expected to stay ahead of the curve. If you are willing to work for it you can have it.