Tips and tricks I learned during my first month of residency in the ICU:
1. Buy these pens (Or the NEW version here)
Seriously no matter what rotation you are on, they are soooo tiny and so perfect for organization and rounding on patients on the go.
2. Make lists
Organize your to do lists by order of importance. I don't always get to put in orders at the exact moment I am told to, so prioritizing your to do list is very helpful, especially in the ICU. Also, constantly update these lists, try and update the to do lists at least 3 times a day.
3. Show up early
Don't hit snooze on the alarm clock, it's so worth it to be working that 10 minutes, being rushed is one of the worst feelings when you are taking care of other people and responsible for so many things.
4. Read, or Don't
Read quickly about topics that are useful. I had read this book before my rotation and found it useful connecting the dots while working. In random free minutes it was helpful to look up things on UpToDate and write in a tiny pocket notebook what I learned.
5. Sleep, Eat, and Exercise
It's okay to eat whatever you want. In my opinion, adjusting to more intense rotations is a temporary feeling and whatever gives you the fuel and energy to keep your excitement and stamina then do it. I exercised on my day off each week (I know once weekly exercises isn't the best, but whatever). I ate whatever I wanted when I could, and it's okay to not be perfect all year round.
6. Take Care of Your Skin
I didn't need foundation because I started taking such good care of my skin. It helped me feel less gross through the long hours, and my skin has never been healthier.
7. Show Up Every Day
This goes for any rotation, but I mean show up . So showing up 80-90% daily is better than 100% some days and 40% on others. Do what you have to do, to do that. Giving your most each day, one day at a time will make it more fun and more valuable to your education and your patients.
8. Don't be Afraid to Ask for Help
I am so ashamed when I have to ask for help, although I know that it's necessary. One of my least favorite things is feeling like I don't know what I'm doing, and unfortunately this feeling is a constant as a new resident. There are so many things I just plain and simple have no idea what to do, but I want to avoid mistake so I have to call and ask other people. For me, this is even includes basic things like "How do I order blood?" "Who do I call for xyz?" "What blood pressure medicine should I give?" "Can brain surgery patients have this drug?" etc. However, once I ask about something and find the answer, it's one less thing I have to ask about later and that does feel good.