What are some good resources to read up on as a new graduate in the ICU?

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Specializes in Trauma ICU.

Hello everyone,

I just joined this website because I've always enjoyed the content posted here, and now I have a question I'd like to ask you guys as well. I am a new graduate nurse (I graduated December 2019) and I finally landed a job in a medical ICU in mid February.

This global health crisis has slowed the hiring process down, but long story short I should be starting in the very near future. I will be recieving new graduate training with didactics and simulation labs as well as preceptorship after so that is definitely a bonus. However, I'd really like to start reading up on some critical care nursing books to feel better prepared.

I know some of the books geared towards critical care nursing are more for CCRN study and might go right over my head so any newbie recommendations would be much appreciated.

Btw, I recently purchased the Critical Care Notes Pocket Guide by F.A. Davis and plan to use that as a reference on the floor.

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Specializes in ICU, Agency, Travel, Pediatric Home Care, LTAC, Su.

Not so much book recommendations at online Con ED classes. Many websites you can get unlimited CEU for a onetime yearly fee. There is one website in particular I have no affiliation with, but prefer. I'm not sure if I can post here, but feel free to PM me. I would go over topics such as Ventilators & patients, ABGs, Central Lines & Hemodynamics, telemetry, to name a few. Also the AACN has a free COVID-19 patient course on their website! I have not completed the entire thing, but what I have it is decent. For seasoned ICU nurses a lot is review, but I think it is still beneficial. And it is definitely worth it for new staff and non ICU nurses. Best wishes for your new career!

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Notes on ICU Nursing: http://icufaqs.org/

Humorous education on ICU nursing! Karen

Quote

This is a clickable list of FAQ files that we wrote for new RNs
coming into our MICU as orientees. They liked them enough to
encourage us to post them on a public website - here they
are! Enjoy... feel free to copy them for any useful purpose.

AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing Pocket Handbook -ebook

http://icns.org.ir/files/site1/files/AACN_Essentials_of_Critical_Care_Nursing.pdf

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Specializes in New PACU RN.

http://www.icufaqs.org/

If found this site helpful. I loved it so much, I ordered the book.

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Specializes in ICU, Agency, Travel, Pediatric Home Care, LTAC, Su.
On 6/21/2020 at 1:01 AM, KR said:

Not so much book recommendations at online Con ED classes. Many websites you can get unlimited CEU for a onetime yearly fee. There is one website in particular I have no affiliation with, but prefer. I'm not sure if I can post here, but feel free to PM me. I would go over topics such as Ventilators & patients, ABGs, Central Lines & Hemodynamics, telemetry, to name a few. Also the AACN has a free COVID-19 patient course on their website! I have not completed the entire thing, but what I have it is decent. For seasoned ICU nurses a lot is review, but I think it is still beneficial. And it is definitely worth it for new staff and non ICU nurses. Best wishes for your new career!

Www.ceufast.com is like $40/year for unlimited CEU. They have great online classes on ABG, Vasoactive Drips, Vents, and other ICU (and non-ICU topics).

Also, www.aacn.org had a free online 6hr COVID-19 course. You just had to register for free on their site.

Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in ICU.

from personal experience, you will learn so much of this stuff on the job. I do browse icufaqs.org in my spare time on the floor. I personally feel like you may overload yourself by reading these books. it may be more beneficial to just absorb your experience when you start and let it all soak in. you will learn a great deal on orientation and even more once you are on your own!

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Specializes in Adult and pediatric emergency and critical care.

The ICU book. The Ventilator book.

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Is icufaq.org still relevant, current, and up to date?

I'm transitioning to the ICU and found that website.  I see the book is available and I'm considering purchasing it for a resource.  However, Amazon is selling the 2nd edition dated 2004.  I know some stuff doesn't change and after a brief glance, looks relevant.  I just want to make sure it's still good practice and updated information.

Thank you

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