Should I Work in the ICU as a New Grad?

by | May 13, 2022 | Podcasts, Nursing Jobs & Interviews | 0 comments

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Who You’ll Hear

Kati Kleber, MSN RN– Nurse educator, former cardiac med-surg/stepdown and neurocritical care nurse, author, and speaker.

Should I work in the ICU as a New Grad PIN

What You’ll Learn:

A Fresh RN VIP asked a question Kati wanted to share with podcast listeners. The VIP currently works in an ICU as a CNA and is curious if it would be wise to work there as a new grad. Listen for Kati’s perspective and some Q&A from her Instagram followers.

  • Many think you have to start in Med-Surg
    • If you have support and know what you want to do, go for it.
    • Med-Surg gives value but its not necessary
  • A CNA in an ICU unit will do well as a nurse in the ICU
    • They already know the unit
    • They know the helpful nurses
    • They know how the unit functions
  • If your managers asks you to apply:
    • They see how you work and believe you will do well
  • How much support will you get?
  • Observe who your preceptor will be.
    • How do they teach?
    • What are their expecitations?
    • How do they manage their time?
    • Prepare mentally for dynamics of the relationship to change when you are the precept
  • Play closer attention to the work flow of the nurses
    • What’s their in the room routine
    • What nurse is behind and why?
    • What nurse is on top of things?
  • Ask questions of nuses
    • Documentation routine
    • Working with physicians
  • Going from CNA to Nurse will take time to acclimate

Resources:

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Picture of Kati Kleber, founder of FRESHRN

Hi, I’m Kati.

I’m Kati Kleber MSN RN, a nurse educator, author, national speaker, and host of the FreshRN® Podcast. I created FreshRN® to give new nurses practical, encouraging education as they build confidence at the bedside.

Learn more about my professional background and FreshRN’s mission, or join my free email newsletter for new nurses.

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