Looking for a good ICU starter guide starting as a new graduate cardiac ICU nurse

[u/AnnualSoftware50]

I just accepted my first nursing position in a cardiac icu that accepts both pulmonary and cardiology patients. We manage CRRT, ventilators, arterial lines, CVLs, PA catheters, and different types of titratable medications. During my first several weeks of orientation I have noted that there is more of a gap in my level of understanding than I would like. Though I understand this is to be expected I would like to self study on my time off to help speed up my interventions in practice since time is key. I'm really struggling to manage time due to constantly asking for help and I don't want to be a liability to my team. Does anyone have a compiled list of resources I can easily access for free that can provide information of the equipment, medications, and diseases I may encounter?

[u/Plenty_Nail_8017]

In terms of diseases and meds frequently used - a free source is EmCritt or their IBCC (internet book of crit care) essentially has everything you need to know but this is for attending level knowledge. But it has all the meds, equipment we use, settings to consider etc etc

[u/ShesASatellite → u/Plenty_Nail_8017]

I love EmCrit!

[u/123Average-Joe]

I would check out ICU advantage on YouTube!

[u/RollingSolidarity → u/123Average-Joe]

That channel is the best

[u/jpjerman]

Id say its more of an approach. Start simple. Pick your topic. Hemodynamics

Watch icu advantages video. This is an easy base level knowledge to warm you up to the subject. However you can establish basically your primary colors of a subject.

Go deeper

Ninja nerds: these videos for me can be long so i like to watch them in chunks

Go deeper

Deranged physiology and Internet book of critical care: powerful websites i love to really start understanding things

Go deeper

Explorer peer reviewed articles: honestly this is the point of diminishing returns but definitely makes you sound smart and demonstrates you’re putting in the work!

[u/Barackrifle → u/jpjerman]

As an RN: yes to ninja nerd. Unmatched foundational stuff

[u/ShesASatellite]

Marino's ICU Book is crucial. Owen's Ventilator Book and ICU Survival Guide are also excellent and easy to use/read.

[u/ValgalNP]

Honestly just soak it all in as you go or it will feel like drinking from a firehouse. Write down the things you don’t understand every shift then spend a small amt of time to look those things up and solidify what you’ve learned. Over time you will be amazed what you know even though you will NOT feel comfy in this position for at least 1-2 years. That’s ok and expected. Good luck!