Critical Care & ICU Nursing
MY VIEWS ON LEARNING HOW TO BE AN ICU NURSE:
- Being able to manage vents and drips is just the beginning
- Assertiveness, tact, and rationality are just as important as textbook knowledge
- The journey is worth it
Whether it’s through 10+ years of articles, courses, podcasts, emails, or events, my #1 priority is to help you feel confident and prepared at the bedside on an intensive care unit.
If you’re gearing up for clinicals or have recently stepped into a role as an ICU nurse, we’ve got your back with the essential information you’ll need, the key inquiries to make, and a glimpse into what you can anticipate, ensuring you dive into your learning journey with confidence.
While your nursing school textbooks and preceptorship are designed to be your foundation, here at FreshRN, we understand that real-world practice often diverges from theory. You aced your ICU exams months (or even years) ago. Your hospital assumes you have a solid grasp of ICU nursing and will focus on refining your practical skills rather than revisiting the theoretical underpinnings.
Factor in the natural inclination to want to appear competent and knowledgeable as the new member of the team. It’s only human to be hesitant about asking questions for fear of seeming uninformed. However, this inclination can lead to vital information being overlooked. The resources provided below aim to address this and provide you with the confidence and clarity you need as an ICU nurse!
Featured Content
How to Become an ICU Nurse – Essential Interview Tips for New Nurses
Discover everything you need to know to become an Intensive Care (ICU), nurse. From the interview to the job, this is your complete guide. Table of ContentsWhat is an ICU Nurse?ICU Nurse ResponsibilitiesHow To Become an ICU Nurse When You are a New NurseBecoming an...
Advice For New ICU Nurses
The ICU is an overwhelming place to begin your nursing career. This post covers advice for new ICU nurses and will help you succeed as the new kid.
New ICU Nurse Master List – Medications, Skills, Procedures, Diagnostics and Diagnoses
You're a brand new ICU nurse or nursing student preparing to set foot in an intensive care unit for the very first time. (Talk about intimidating!) You're nervous, but up for the challenge. You want to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of an ICU and want to...
Critical Care & ICU Freebies
Critical Care & ICU Articles & Resources
Step into the world of critical care, where every beep, hum, and flicker of light provides life-saving ... One of the most intimidating skills to learn as a new ICU nurse is how to confidently manage common ICU drips. ... In the fast-paced environment of the ICU, effective communication is crucial. Understanding the common ICU ... After spending some time in an ICU, you start to encounter the same types of patients repeatedly. Instead of only ... Top Medications Given in the ICU As a new ICU nurse, it’s important to be familiar with the common ICU ... Discover everything you need to know to become an Intensive Care (ICU), nurse. From the interview to the job, this ... The ICU is an overwhelming place to begin your nursing career. This post covers advice for new ICU nurses and will ... When you’re a fresh face in the ICU, understanding sepsis and knowing how to respond quickly can truly be a ...
Mastering Critical Care: Your Guide to 6 Essential Pieces of Common ICU Equipment
on October 9, 2023
Mastering Common ICU Drips: A Nurse’s Guide to Lifesaving Medications
on September 15, 2023
Decoding Critical Care Jargon: Common ICU Abbreviations for Nurses
on September 14, 2023
The Most Common ICU Admission Diagnosis: A Nurse’s Guide
on September 14, 2023
Common ICU Medications: 4 Types You’ll Encounter
on September 8, 2023
How to Become an ICU Nurse – Essential Interview Tips for New Nurses
on July 27, 2023
Advice For New ICU Nurses
on July 27, 2023
Sepsis Protocol for Nurses
on July 27, 2023
All Free Critical Care & ICU Content
Articles
- Mastering Critical Care: Your Guide to 6 Essential Pieces of Common ICU Equipment
- Mastering Common ICU Drips: A Nurse’s Guide to Lifesaving Medications
- Decoding Critical Care Jargon: Common ICU Abbreviations for Nurses
- The Most Common ICU Admission Diagnosis: A Nurse’s Guide
- Common ICU Medications: 4 Types You’ll Encounter
- How to Become an ICU Nurse – Essential Interview Tips for New Nurses
- Advice For New ICU Nurses
- Sepsis Protocol for Nurses
- New ICU Nurse Master List – Medications, Skills, Procedures, Diagnostics and Diagnoses
- Top Tips for New Grad Nurses in ICU
- What is the Prone Position Used For?
- What To Do When Your Patient Codes: 3 Critical Steps For Success
- New Grad ICU Nurses: Tips & Advice from an Experienced Nurse
- Critical Care Nursing Certification: How to Pass the CCRN Exam
- ICU vs ER/ED Nurse – What’s the Difference?
- Can a New Nurse Work in the ICU?
- Top Tips for New Nurses Working With Ventilators – From a CRNA!
- 8 Tips for New Grads in the ICU
- What Do ICU Nurses Do?
- From the ICU to Primary Care: The Transition From Inpatient to Outpatient
- Tips for New Grads in the ICU
- Perfecting Your Craft – Week 2, ICU Time Management Tips
- You’re a Life Saver. Literally
- How to Manage Your Time in Critical Care for Nurses: Part II
- How to Manage Your Time in Critical Care For Nurses: Part I
- How to Survive in the ICU
- Central Line Basics for Bedside Nurses