By Topic: Critical Care

Browse advice, tips, and support from real critical care RNs. Get help with questions about becoming an ICU nurse, or navigating day to day work life.

Which shift is the best for new RN ICU nurse, night or day shift?

Last answered 3 months ago 114 answers

Experienced nurses, can you explain the differences between ER and ICU nursing for aspiring nurses considering which path to take?

Last answered 1 day ago 55 answers

How difficult is it to start off in an ICU as a new grad? Is it manageable?

Last answered 3 months ago 41 answers

How do you decide which speciality you should try? Debating between OR, CVICU, and ER. Any advice is appreciated. Currently in Med surge and not loving it

Last answered 9 days ago 35 answers

After 2.5 years in the ICU I still find time management a problem. Not sure why I struggle so much. I have gotten a little better but I feel adhd my be to blame. Can anyone share their night shift routine with me to give more insight?

Last answered 12 months ago 30 answers

Do ICU nurses have any more training/education than a regular nurse?

Last answered 3 months ago 17 answers

What is some advice for transitioning into the ICU as a nurse?

Last answered about 1 year ago 16 answers

Hello, I am a new grad and very passionate about the critical care unit. I would like to know what would I need to be able to get into critical care as a new nurse?

Last answered almost 2 years ago 16 answers

What certifications should new grads get before applying to ICU positions?

Last answered 2 months ago 12 answers

How do I handle transferring specialties while as a new grad? I started my career in the operating room, and I HATE it. No one spoke to me for a month and today an anesthesiologist threw a stirrup at me cause I had set it down in his way. Help

Last answered about 1 year ago 12 answers

How strongly do you recommend a nurse residency program for ICU new grads?

Last answered 5 months ago 12 answers

Hi! I'm graduating with my BSN this Summer! Will I get away with negotiating more than the average new grad pay? I'm a veteran with 10 years of ED tech/EMT experience, another BS focused on crisis communication, and my externship is in the NTICU.

Last answered over 1 year ago 11 answers

What are the chances of a new grad getting an ICU position?

Last answered almost 2 years ago 10 answers

How do you deal with rotating day and night shift every week or 2? I feel like a zombie and have stomach pain/nausea and headaches.

Last answered 10 months ago 10 answers

Soon-to-be new grad here. I am torn between which specialty to start in. I always thought I wanted to do OR and still am interested but I have found recently that I really enjoy ICU nursing. I also anticipate becoming an advanced practice nurse or NP

Last answered 3 months ago 9 answers

How do you feel about ICU vs Stepdown? Currently on Stepdown and ready for change d/t multiple reasons.

Last answered 12 months ago 8 answers

How is my 2 year experience as an ER Tech in a Trauma facility able benefit me when applying to a RN role? Can I negotiate that experience for a higher pay?

Last answered 5 months ago 8 answers

What is the wildest injury you've seen?

Last answered 11 months ago 8 answers

What is the average nurse to patient ratio in the ICU?

Last answered about 1 year ago 7 answers

Why did you choose to be an ICU nurse?

Last answered 12 months ago 7 answers

What are the worst types of patient families to deal with and how do you handle?

Last answered over 1 year ago 7 answers

What should I wear to my ICU job interview?

Last answered 8 months ago 7 answers

What are the best ways to study for the CCRN exam?

Last answered 5 months ago 6 answers

How can I transition from M/S to ICU? It seems that ICUs will take a new grad easily but won’t take a MS nurse with years of experience.

Last answered about 1 year ago 6 answers

What are the typical certifications I should get if I want to work in Critical Care?

Last answered almost 2 years ago 6 answers