New Grad Radio

It can be difficult to communicate with patients who don’t speak English; this is especially true within the ICU, when patients present from emergency surgeries or in an Altered Conscious State. In this episode I share with you a technique I have used on a number of occasions, and provide context of how it could work for you.

Im fortunate to work within a well resourced ICU; with access to highly specialised pieces of equipment. Along with this, all of the health professionals are conscious, and encouraged to think about their usage of equipment, and how to save costs where possible. I describe my experiences of this so far, and talk about an area I believe could save money in my unit. Its incredible how supportive my unit is, and how we're encouraged to bring new ideas to the table.

One of my passions as a Nurse, is the interpretation of 12 lead ECG’s. As it turns out, this came in handy last night, as I mention during this reflection. An exciting moment that I’ll remember for a very long time!

In today’s episode, I talk about some of my experiences so far of noticing, and managing some strange, and complex electrical activity for my patients. The exposure I’m getting in the ICU is unbelievable; and the funky heart rhythms I’m seeing already has been both nerve racking, and interesting. For example, watching as my patient experiences runs of VT, as he sits calmly drinking some tea! I hope you enjoy.

This may be a strange topic to talk about, but today’s episode is discussing my journey of overcoming nerves, about talking on the bedside phone. My first phone conversation as a Grad was a face palm moment for sure, but as time has gone on, I’m finding it to not be that big of a deal anymore. I hope you enjoy.

Its incredible; some patients can sit comfortably with no sedation, with a large ETT in their mouth; whilst other patients will cough and cough and hate the experience. I detail an experience of the latter, and explain why I chose to re-commence sedation in the interest of my patient.

Mechanical Ventilation is certainly a hot topic within the ICU. In today’s episode I break down my experiences of first seeing the ventilator, and learning the absolute fundamentals; compared to 9 weeks in, having a bit more exposure. I hope you enjoy.

Continuing on with introducing the various Interprofessional Team members in the ICU; today I describe the role of P&O’s, a group of health professionals that measure, and provide limb splints for our patients. I hope you enjoy.

The ICU is certainly a challenging environment to start as a New Graduate Nurse. There is constant stimulus overload from all of the ‘beeps’ and interruptions within the bedspace, and it’s a challenge to learn what everything means, and what the priorities are when first starting. In today’s episode, I describe how my thought process, and my personality has been changing since starting my grad program, and why I believe this to be helpful in my new career.

I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to discharge a number of patients from ICU to the wards. As I’ve started to notice, there a subtle difference in what Ward nurse are wanting to hear, versus the handover I’m giving in ICU. I detail a few of my experiences, and the different aspects specific to handover to the Ward. Have a great day!!!

Whilst I’m a few months in now, working as a new graduate nurse in ICU, I’m starting to get an idea of where most equipment is kept, and what a typical ICU bedsore looks like. In this episode, I’ll take you on a (verbal) guided tour of an ICU bed space, and outline the equipment found within. If you have any Feedback or Questions regarding the podcast or my graduate year in ICU - newgradradio@gmail.com

As I’ve mentioned on previous episodes, the handover that we give in the ICU is quite extensive, and comprehensive. I thought that I’d break down exactly how we give the handover, the format that we use, and why it takes so long. I’ll certainly be making some more episodes on this topic with more the more experience I gain within my grad year; but for now, I hope you enjoy this overview. Any feedback, or comments - newgradradio@gmail.com

One of the many reasons I chose to pursue ICU nursing within my graduate year, is being able to push myself way out of my comfort zone. Its been a tough few months starting in the ICU, yet today's episode shows just how far i've come. Im super excited to share my experience with you. Any questions or feedback at all, please dont hesistate to contact me - newgradradio@gmail.com

As nurses, we are not only caring for the needs of our patients, but we’re also supporting their loved ones through a horrific time in their lives. I speak of my experiences so far with family members, and explain what I do to ease their nerves, and to show as much compassion as possible. Hope you enjoy.

On the second Interprofessional episode, I talk about the role of Physiotherapists. The physio’s are an absolute ball of knowledge, especially when it comes to Airway and Breathing. Whether is be early mobilisation of patients, performing breathing exercises, or auscultation of lung fields, there is just so much to learn from these incredible professionals. I work with physio’s on a daily basis to help improve my patients outcomes. I hope you enjoy this episode.

One of the most amazing parts of working in the ICU, is seeing how well the large Interprofessional team, consisting of a large array of various health professionals, work as a team for the benefit of the patient. On today’s episode, I detail the role of the ‘Wardies’, and speak of how much they have helped me starting in my new role as a grad nurse in the ICU.

First of all, thank you so much for everyone from Australia and abroad for reaching out to me, leaving me kind comments, and for asking me questions about starting in the ICU. I speak from the heart, and offer my experiences so far. As you will hear, it’s not so much about my ‘Advice’, as I don’t believe I am qualified yet to offer any; rather, I speak openly about what I have found helpful, and the mentality I possess/have adopted to keep moving forward within a career I absolutely love. I’d love to hear some feedback; and again, thank you for your support of the New Grad Radio Podcast.

As a recent paramedic graduate, whilst there are numerous similarities of how I’m assessing and managing patients; I’ve found there to be considerable differences as well. I discuss what they are, and how I’m learning to navigate my scope of practice within the ICU as a new graduate nurse.

After listening to the previous episode, it appears the final 3 minutes were not recorded. I sincerely apologise. I use this separate episode to include what was missed. I’ll take this as a learning opportunity for the making of the podcast, and ensure it won’t happen again. Have a great day!!!

I detail an experience from a recent shift, whereby things didn’t exactly go to plan at the time of handover. As I’m learning, things can change, and go from 0-100 exceptionally quickly in the ICU.