Things I've learned being an ICU Nurse

2 posts in 1 day, I didn't think it could be done, but as Abby is upstairs sleeping (another ear infection)I have been thinking about all the things that I have learned while being an ICU nurse. In just a few short weeks or maybe 2 months (depends when all my credentialing comes through for me to start as an FNP in the clinic) I will be leaving my job as an RN in the Medical ICU. I first started as a brand new RN in a Coronary ICU. Talk about shock. I had never been in a ICU during school, had never seen a code, and had never seen someone on a ventilator to name a few things. I see these things daily now at work. My first couple months as a new RN were terrifying, thinking that if I gave a med wrong, or missed a critical lab value, or did not notice a change in a person's condition that this could be fatal for that patient. I feel confident now in my patient care and can leave work knowing that I did my best and my patient may survive another day. I have seen medical miracles and have seen people and family through the worst time of their lives. The ICU units that I have worked not only function as a team, but function as a family and help each other both in the work and person environments. All this had made me a stronger nurse. I will take all I have learned from the ICU and apply this to my new role as a Nurse Practitioner. My goal is that my knowledge and compassion will help keep patients from ever having to be admitted to an ICU.

Things I've learned being an ICU Nurse

1. There is nothing that will gross us out. I can care for a GI bleeding, c-diff pooping, pseudomonas infected  patient (I assure you this is not a pleasant smell) only to go back to the break room and stuff my face full of cookies or whatever food has been brought in that day.
2. I do not care if you puke, poop, or pee on me. I do care if you’re mean to me. Remember that I have the power to give or not give you pain medication.
3. Call lights may actually be the worst invention ever.
4. Family members that are constantly present at the patients side, who refuse to sleep, eat, and live off of coffee in fact are not doing their loved one any favors. You become mean and your judgment lacks. I will tell you to go home and sleep, because when you return after getting some rest and food not from a vending machine you are better able to be there for the patient.  I am damn good at my job, so trust me at taking superior care of your loved one.  You may hate me for telling you to go home, but you will thank me the next day when you’re more clear headed.
5. Hospice care is not a death sentence but rather a way to live out your life peacefully and respectfully.
6. Care kills. I cannot tell you how many times I have turned a patient only for them to tank their blood pressure, heart rate, or O2 sats. CODE BLUE!
7. I am an adrenaline junkie, but am also the calm in the storm.
8. NEVER tell a Cystic Fibrosis patient that their vest treatments look fun! (I actually had a Med Student say this to a Cystic Fibrosis patient).
9. I have seen medical miracles, but it is important to remember that not every patient will be that miracle.
10. Most awesome conversation between a co-worker and patient who was a prisoner (prisoner was unpleasant and arrogant). Patient, “I got this yeast in my mouth from eating too much pussy.” Nurse, “No, you did not, but you did get it from sucking too much d*@# in prison.” Patient---speechless.
11. And finally, make sure you love your job, because as an ICU nurse someone’s life is riding on you doing your best work each and every day.

Thank you to every nurse that I have worked with!

T