PICU Nurse Orientation

The PICU Orientation program is an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills to transition into the PICU setting. The program is individualized based on previous clinical experience. Nurses who do not have previous intensive care experience complete the Basic Critical Care Course followed by a pediatric specific didactic program with skills labs. Candidates who have critical care experience attend didactic classes and skills labs to learn pediatric specific content. Following this initial program, a development plan provides structure and support for 12 months until full competency is achieved. All nurses will have clinical experiences with a preceptor and will complete a PALS and an ECG course within the first year of employment.