u/ForceNeat8949

Hey everyone, I’m currently a nursing student and I recently secured a position in the ICU after graduation. I’m also in the onboarding process to start working as a tech in that same ICU while I finish school.

I really want to use this time wisely and build a strong foundation before I officially start as a new grad ICU nurse. I know there’s a huge difference between passing nursing school and actually understanding critical care at the bedside, so I’m trying to prepare early instead of walking in completely lost.

What topics, concepts, skills, or habits would you recommend I start focusing on right now as a student?

Things I’ve already been trying to learn more about:

•	Hemodynamics/perfusion

•	Vasopressors

•	ABGs

•	Vent basics

•	Shock states

•	Critical thinking in deteriorating patients

•	Labs/electrolytes

Would you recommend focusing more on physiology/pathophysiology first instead of memorizing tasks? Any good resources, YouTube channels, books, or advice you wish you knew before starting ICU?

I’d appreciate any honest advice from experienced ICU nurses. Trying to become the best nurse I can be and not just survive orientation lol.

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some honest feedback from current CRNAs or SRNAs.

I just landed a job as an ICU clinical tech at a Level III hospital, and once I graduate nursing school in the coming months, I’ll transition into a nurse residency in the same ICU. My plan is to stay here long-term to build strong relationships with my team, get solid mentorship, and hopefully secure strong letters of recommendation for CRNA school.

My main concern is acuity.

I keep hearing mixed opinions about whether a Level I vs Level II vs Level III trauma center matters for CRNA school competitiveness. I know Level I is often preferred because of higher acuity and more complex cases, but I’m trying to understand realistically:

•	Will a Level III ICU still give me enough critical care exposure (vents, pressors, drips, etc.)?

•	Or could lower acuity hurt my application even if I build strong experience and relationships over time?

•	Is it better to prioritize acuity over staying somewhere stable where I can grow and get good LORs?

I really like the idea of staying at this hospital because I already have a foot in the door, and I think I could grow a lot here clinically and professionally. But I don’t want to limit my chances of getting into CRNA school down the line.

Would appreciate any honest insight from people who’ve gone through this or are currently in the ICU path toward CRNA.

Thanks in advance.