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:

Picture of Kati Kleber, founder of FRESHRN

Hi, I’m Kati.

Kati Kleber, MSN RN is a nurse educator, author, national speaker, host of the FreshRN® Podcast, and owner of FreshRN® – an online platform created to educate, encourage, and motivate newly licensed nurses in innovative ways.

Connect with her on YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, and sign-up for her free email newsletter for new nurses.

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