What Type Of Person Makes A Good Icu Nurse?

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I am trying to decide if the ICU environment will fit my personality. To all of you seasoned and new ICU nurses, what character traits and/or personalities do you find work best in the ICU? In your reply please note what type of ICU you work in. Thanks!:)

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I am trying to decide if the ICU environment will fit my personality. To all of you seasoned and new ICU nurses, what character traits and/or personalities do you find work best in the ICU? In your reply please note what type of ICU you work in. Thanks!:)

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I've been working in the ICU for 11 years and I love it! In my experience it takes a mix of personalities to make an ICU unit strong and an enjoyable place to work. On the other hand, the "strong" personalities I've encountered over the years can make it a difficult place. I most enjoy working in ICU because I am able to and expected to know my patient inside and out, from history to labs to family issues to x-rays, ekgs etc. This is in contrast to floor nursing where I would have miltiple patients and would not be able to be as in-depth as I would want to be.

I believe an ICU nurse needs to be a strong patient advocate and needs to be able to communicate well with physicians. Often, there are lots of tubes and machines to keep track of, so a good sense of organization doesn't hurt.

I work in a mixed ICU - cardiac, respiratory, neuro, a little bit of trauma, and what ever else comes our way. I really like the variety. :roll

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I've been working in the ICU for 11 years and I love it! In my experience it takes a mix of personalities to make an ICU unit strong and an enjoyable place to work. On the other hand, the "strong" personalities I've encountered over the years can make it a difficult place. I most enjoy working in ICU because I am able to and expected to know my patient inside and out, from history to labs to family issues to x-rays, ekgs etc. This is in contrast to floor nursing where I would have miltiple patients and would not be able to be as in-depth as I would want to be.

I believe an ICU nurse needs to be a strong patient advocate and needs to be able to communicate well with physicians. Often, there are lots of tubes and machines to keep track of, so a good sense of organization doesn't hurt.

I work in a mixed ICU - cardiac, respiratory, neuro, a little bit of trauma, and what ever else comes our way. I really like the variety. :roll

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