Hey! I am a new grad and I will be starting in the ICU. Does anyone have any advice for me? Things I may need to read up on or anything? I am open to any suggestions! Thank you!
New Grad in ICU, any advice?
pay attention to your preceptor and anyone else in the unit. I'd read your hospital policy and procedures in your downtime. Don't try to read too many at once or the words just run together. Good luck
Learn your cardiac rhythms and medications. Do not be afraid to ask questions. If your preceptor thinks it is a "stupid question" or laughs at it you need a different preceptor. Most of all good luck to you in your new career as a nurse ;)
An ACLS certification would serve you well in your unit. God bless and good luck in your brand new career. Don't ever forget the empathy that your patient and family need and deserve during a time of being hospitalized.
new_grad_ICU wrote:Hey! I am a new grad and I will be starting in the ICU. Does anyone have any advice for me? Things I may need to read up on or anything? I am open to any suggestions! Thank you!How long is your orientation on the Unit? What do you know about your preceptor? Take full advantage of your orientation period. Seek out as many learning experiences you can whether it be on your patients, or another patient in the Unit. I'd imagine you will need to become ACLS certified. So, become very familiar with cardiac rhythms & meds.
I'd suggest two books;
1] Core Curriculum for Critical Care Nursing
2] Critical Care Nursing made Incredibly Easy!
Plus, become a member of AACN.
Good Luck!