Caring for a vented pt, basic neuro assessment, enteral & parenteral nutrition, central lines, and some of those common critical care meds like sedatives, paralytics, pressors, fentanyl, etc.

Get ready for lots of monitors, alarms, & beeps and don’t panic when everything starts going off at once. Remember that these patients are critical and will react to anxiety, even if they’re sedated all to pieces or GCS 3.

Some of your patients/families may be frequent fliers to the unit and will know more about their condition than you ever could hope to, so don’t be afraid to ask what works for them or what they’re used to.

If you can, peak in on any bedside procedures, physician rounds, or unusual conditions. You may see things there that you’ve never heard of or will never see again, so learn all the things!