For the past four weeks, I have worked in the intensive care unit (ICU) as a requirement for my medical school’s fourth-year graduation coursework. Although I was a bit nervous about working in the ICU, I am so thankful for all the learning that has come from this rotation. The ICU for those that might not be familiar, is for patients who are extremely ill and require dedicated attention to their blood pressure or breathing requirements. I have had the honor of taking care of some amazing families who have gone through some of the hardest times of their lives. I have learned how to manage hearts that have stopped, help lungs that can’t ventilate the body anymore, and also help a grieving daughter that has lost her father. This rotation has also helped me feel less nervous about starting my intern year in the coming months and relieve some of the stress that is associated with the transition from medical student to resident. Have you had the chance to work in the ICU and if so what has your experience been like?
