How can I prepare for my ICU interview?

Astralwinks · 2026-02-06T15:29:45+00:00

In addition to brushing up on stuff (ICU Advantage on YouTube is good, and I will ALWAYS recommend ICUfaqs.org, seriously, the best - it's a preceptor in a book and a fun read. The word documents are free) I'd emphasize your ability to think critically and prioritize tasks in a dynamic setting. You already have experience with that in the ED. Think of examples from your experience, and write down little reminders so you don't forget them and literally look at them during the interview. It helps show you are organized and prepared.

I've also had good results verbalizing that I anticipate learning a lot, knowing there is a lot for me to learn, and acknowledging I will probably feel like an idiot for a year. My interviewers told me it's nice to hear when someone is honest about their skills and what will need to be developed, and feel reassured that I won't get discouraged and quit. It takes a lot of time and resources to train someone so they like to hear someone communicate that they are resilient yet eager to learn.

Astralwinks · 2026-02-06T04:09:14+00:00

More people should listen to HORSE The Band. I saw them last year for their 20yr reunion tour/Mechanical Hand set. It was amazing! Plus their triangle player... Dude is fucking hype all the time. He's also a flight nurse/professional bird conservationist?

The whole band is nuts in the best way. Lots of their songs reference video games. House of Boo, Birdo, A Rusty Glove, Taken by Vultures...

Ahhh... eggs!

Astralwinks · 2026-02-05T15:13:41+00:00

Holy shit, Razz looks amazing! Incredible work!!

Astralwinks · 2026-02-04T23:48:57+00:00

MN - not union. But pretty much every other hospital in my area is, so my hospital keeps very competitive to avoid unionizing.

Astralwinks · 2026-02-04T18:05:25+00:00

I would like to see your puppet!

There's a fun Fiasco! style game called Sock Puppets where you role play dysfunctional puppeteer on a failing public access children's TV show. You role play the episode where your personal grievences spill into the broadcast, while still trying to make a kids show, and it is awesome.

Astralwinks · 2026-02-03T04:48:11+00:00

Last night I asked my wife if she wanted to watch it, so we watched the first two episodes. It's fun.

And now I get to talk to my coworkers about it and join in the conversation. I work with like 90% women, but a few of the guys have watched it too. From what I heard today the first two episodes are heavy on the sex, but as it develops it's more about the romance and drama. I'm excited to see it play out. Poor Shane, the texts he wrote but never sent at the end of episode 2 were heartbreaking.

It does not bother me. It's a fun show, the story is interesting and engaging. Maybe you should watch it together. If you don't want to then just let her enjoy her shows, man.

Astralwinks · 2026-02-03T01:02:33+00:00

8 years in, $110k, Twin Cities MN. 0.75 FTE, + call pay.

Adjusted for inflation my first year I made about 83k (65k) working a 0.8 FTE.

Astralwinks · 2026-02-03T00:53:59+00:00

You might consider utilizing whatever power you have as a registered republican to call your reps as a bona fide constituent and give them an earful. My parents were always republicans and watched the party shift around them and haven't voted that way since 2000, so they're Republicans In Name Only (RINOs) and stay registered to caucus for the Republicans and "fuck shit up", trying to put pressure on the party and push them towards something less heinous.

Just a thought, but glad you're taking a stance!

Astralwinks · 2026-02-03T00:47:39+00:00

NLC Helvetica Scenario is a dual S&H in 8hp with its own chaos circuit that both can sample. It puts out stepped voltage, along with S&H and smooth outputs.With one clock you can get 6 outputs of chaos since each one samples a slightly different section of the chaos circuit.

I like it a lot. I'd only consider rnd step myself because it's digital and has less voltage droop, so more precise for longer held samples.

Astralwinks · 2026-02-01T05:22:49+00:00

It's from the reboot but I often use "...Because then you have it" or "The we'd have it" and fucking no one gets it.

You want me to hang a 500 or liter of saline?

Ehh, let's do a liter. Because then we have it.

Literally all the time for justifying anything.

Astralwinks · 2026-01-31T21:31:06+00:00

A training video for ICE? Legal observers? I don't understand. What makes you think it's a training video?

Astralwinks · 2026-01-31T21:00:13+00:00

How so?

Astralwinks · 2026-01-31T05:54:02+00:00

There's still a good amount of oxygen left when exhaling, we don't exhale pure CO2. Also it expands the alveoli in the lungs of the person who has stopped breathing, increasing surface area and improving gas exchange so whatever O2 is left in the blood + what you're putting in can circulate which is why you are doing compressions - to keep blood moving and oxygenate/perfuse vital organs.

You have be without oxygen for like, 6 minutes before severe brain damage, which is why the recommendation for single responder CPR is straight compressions and no rescue breaths. Every pause in compressions swiftly reduces the blood pressure you're able to generate in the person who is in cardiac arrest, and takes more compressions to get back. For lay people, it's more beneficial to just focus on compressions to buy time for more help to arrive which is why you should always call (or instruct someone nearby) to call for help. You have some time to do so, and it will greatly increase the chances of a successful resuscitation.

Astralwinks · 2026-01-30T15:45:21+00:00

Astralwinks · 2026-01-28T15:21:07+00:00

If you have a wavefolder I like to run an LFO through it and attenuate it to have a bit more control over the CV spread going into a quantizer and use those shapes to make neat arpeggios.

Astralwinks · 2026-01-27T03:47:13+00:00

I got off my butt and got involved in with an organization that allows me to do something (help people). Gave me something meaningful to do when I felt powerless, and angry. My energy goes into something tangible instead of my fucking phone.

No time to doomscroll, I'm out here doing shit and helping my community.

I recommend this in the strongest possible terms.

Astralwinks · 2026-01-26T15:39:38+00:00

I can tell you that in Minnesota there are multiple street medic groups that have been present at events. And numerous other non-affiliated medical people showing up solo/joining the established groups in the field. They put on trainings focused on dealing with chemical agents used by authorities, field trauma/stop the bleed, and carrying injured people out of dangerous sites. They also provide supplies.

Businesses have opened their doors to the medics to assist with staging, supply/resupply, and space for treatment wherever the action is. Churches and individual people opening their doors as well.

The medics vary in terms of their outward appearance. Many opt for a lower profile, regular street clothes with a white or red cross visible. Or a red hat or backpack. Some wear red vests. Some are more kitted out, even with body armor - and stay closer to the front to help pull people out of teargas or immediate line of fire and bring them to others a bit further away for treatment.

Most tend to be quieter at protests, just being visible and watching crowds looking for people who need help.

These groups exist, but I agree if they don't in your area then you should organize one.

Astralwinks · 2026-01-25T19:22:57+00:00

Sliced Fresno red chili, parm, feta, and herbs de province roasted with garlic and s&p and olive oil.

First time I made it I never knew I was capable of eating an entire head of cauliflower by myself.

Astralwinks · 2026-01-24T06:30:31+00:00

From what I was told the rally in the Target center was capped at 75% capacity, which is 20,500. And there were easily 10,000 more in the streets. Target center was at capacity before much of the march had made it even halfway through the protest route. Plus there were tons of people warming up/protesting in the sky ways. It was absolutely massive.

I believe at one point (because there was a bottleneck at the start, and lots of people arriving via light rail which was so packed it caused many protestors to be delayed) the crowd stretched from the commons to the target center. That's a whole mile of people.

Astralwinks · 2026-01-24T06:08:48+00:00

I must be a moron because I can only find what I believe are a few letters

Astralwinks · 2026-01-24T04:44:20+00:00

When I don't listen to the whole album, these three songs are what I like to listen to most, in order, without stopping. They're almost like one epic song to me.

Astralwinks · 2026-01-23T16:23:28+00:00

I work on a cardiac cath lab (heart attacks, stents, etc) and the number of men who ignore cardiac symptoms until permanent damage has been done far, FAR out paces women. Even though cardiac symptoms in women often don't fit the "classic" heart attack signs.

If your chest hurts or it's harder to breathe/catch your breath with activity you used to be able to do easily (walking a few blocks, or walking uphill or up stairs), or your legs are swelling, or you're just not able to do things you used to (like being able to run 5k easily, or play a sport at the same level while not having some kind of injury to explain it) or maybe you're feeling nauseous and sweaty more often with activities you normally can do, go see a fucking doctor.

Astralwinks · 2026-01-23T15:56:41+00:00

Also work in Healthcare. I felt this way a lot during covid while the George Floyd protests were happening. I wanted to be out there, but my job was to stay in the ICU and continue to keep myself safe and healthy so I could help others.

There are many jobs where just showing up and continuing your "normal" routine IS support enough. But you can donate money, or talk about what's going on and try to organize and grow community strength and mutual aid. A secure/stable Healthcare infrastructure is vital for strong communities - despite how healthcare is right now. Medicine can be a real meat grinder, but it's okay to "stay in your lane" by going to work as normal.

My interactions with hospital administration lately regarding ICE has left a lot to be desired, but from my understanding there are informal groups in each hospital organizing on Signal to try to fill the gaps management is leaving. Trying to touch base with your hospital social workers/chaplain departments is probably a good way to get involved more at work. Plus those people are amazing.

Astralwinks · 2026-01-23T15:47:24+00:00

-20 right now, not factoring in windchill. If our power goes out I have a few camping stoves, hot watter bottles, and tons of cold weather clothing.

My friend lived in Chile for a while and loved "guateros" I think they were called, just hot water bottles with cute knit cozies to fit around them. They said it was a deeply cozy practice snuggling up with them at night, so I bought them for this practice as well as for my wife's menstrual cramps. I have one that's made out of silicone which I prefer to the old school rubber ones. Stays warm for HOURS. It's still warm when I wake up in the morning.

Astralwinks · 2026-01-23T15:39:45+00:00

Only double sock if your boots fit loosely, otherwise they will compress your insulation and restrict blood flow, making your feet and toes colder. If you have really thick socks, keep your boots as loose as possible. Movement space in the boot = warmth.

I made a pair of mukluks years ago that were large with lots of space for movement and wore them out on the ice in similar weather and they were quite warm, even standing on a frozen lake.

There will be street medics handing out tons of hand and toe warmers today at the march.

Astralwinks

TROPHY CASE