13 Tips for New ICU Nurses | What I Wish I Knew Before My First Shift

Here are some of the tips I wish I knew when I first graduated nursing school and went straight into the ICU.

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Resources for Pre-Nursing Students:

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Resources for New Nurses

Timestamps:
00:00 Tips For New ICU Nurses
01:19 #1 Seek Out a Good Preceptor
05:17 #2 Come With a Teachable Mentality
06:30 #3 Learn About Common ICU Nursing Principles
07:24 #4 Pay Attention to Your Certifications
09:41 #5 Ask Questions
10:22 #6 Try To Get a Routine Going
12:54 #7 Stop Thinking About the NCLEX
14:06 #8 Find a Mentor
14:43 #9 Form Friendships
15:59 #10 Find a Way To Manage Your Stress
17:04 #11 Be Mindful of ICU Nurse Personality
18:27 #12 Do Not Work Crazy Hours
19:20 #13 Be Your Own Advocate

#nurse #nursecareer #rn #lpn #registerednurse #nursing #studentnurse #icunurse #newnurse #newgradnurse

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Disclaimer: As always, all views are MY OWN. Opinions expressed within my videos or website/s do not represent the views of my employers, or any institutions, and/or organizations. Please also note NO professional advice (legal, financial, career, otherwise) is being given.

[aylan.]

Just came across your channel and subscribed. I am in the middle of my ICU orientation on a neuro trauma unit, also seeing quite a bit of covid. I am an experienced LPN, but completely new to the hospital and ICU care. Each point that you make is spot on. It is a tough environment with a lot to learn, but also satisfying as you see yourself progress, tiny step by tiny step. Thank you for the video!

[USAWILL]

A good preceptor is a great tip. At my facility 90% of ED nurses are newer/new grads and they are learning so many bad habits from other newer nurse preceptors.

[chiomaobsn-rn]

I was lost on my ist shift in the icu this Monday. Felt like I knew nothing. My preceptor was there to assure me that the feeling is expected. Hoping that my second shift tomorrow will be great

[Bredaxe]

I'm transitioning into nursing school from being a respiratory therapist after 20 years. I start schooling in the spring and can't wait. I really want to be an ICU nurse. I worked the floors as an RT and icu and much prefer to stay off the floor.

[Mech]

I worked 4 yrs as a stepdown nurse and just transferred to icu 2 wks ago. It is really overwhelming and my preceptor sucks. I asked for a new one. Hopefully it goes well.

[eduagonzalez]

I just got hired at a level one trauma center MICU starting in July and I’m soooo nervous !!!! Thank you for this video !!!

[Ducati]

I really loved your video...I am an RN from India worked for 3 years in CTVS ICU full time by 2016 . But got my NCLEX- RN in 2019 and finally with all the struggle got my first job as an RN in Canada in ICU., it's been over a month now..but with the meditech documentation, policies and other paper work with the establishment is quite overwhelming..at times I double guess myself..and makes it hard.. but after watching your video..it definitely gives me good hope and I will put it to practice😇🙏🏼, thank you again!!.

[murse_life]

As a seasoned CVICU RN, I’d say STUDY HEMODYNAMICS!!!

[suziedoll]

What a great video! Graduated recently in April, In the ICU and I am loving it! this was very informative thanks!

[kelsey]

You explained everything so well! I start a job in an ICU in a couple of months and have been so nervous and excited at the same time. Thank You so much for these tips and I will keep them in mind when I start my job.

[three]

THANK YOU FOR MENTIONING THE NOISE. I've never seen a group of nurses who are so loud and shouting more. they dont care if anyone is getting report, they dont care if others run into the room thinking there's a code because they were screaming. they just are so jaded and bitter from icu stress it's like they do it on purpose to spite new grads to make them unable to focus to punish them on my unit

[jenniferbrown]

I’m going from postpartum to icu I’m so nervous and excited

[sondersrn]

Very good video with lots of great advice . I would add start planning your exit RETIREMENT being employee is risky .

[screwdapig]

Damn bro! Needed this! New Grad CVICU here! Thank you my man

[kengro]

Current icu new grad nurse. First preceptor shift is 3.6.22 and I'm trying to get in the right mindset for this transition to becoming an icu nurse (CV).

[beelee]

Just got a new grad position into the Neonatal ICU!! Thank you for the tips!!

[perrylourencevergiltorejas]

I will be assigned in an ICU somewhere in Tennessee soon. Until now, I'm quite unsure how to prepare for this new chapter of my nursing career. Thank you for this. From the Philippines 🇵🇭

[linanoori]

Just came tpnyiyr channel, loved your tips and experiences you explained many thanks

[cg]

I want to start in the ICU but with all the nurses being criminally charged, I am SO AFRAID of making horrific mistakes as a new grad and losing my license

[sariahsenior]

I’m glad you mentioned the personality of icu nurses lol