I was a bit nervous too prior to starting my ICU rotation, but after a couple days you catch on. It was a great experience. In addition to learning about mechanical ventilation, pulmonary artery catheters, CVVH, and pressors; you'll also most likely get a chance to get a lot of fresh sticks. I got to do numerous radial arterial lines, a few internal jugular catheters (including huge quinton catheters), a couple femoral sticks, numerous line changes, and an intubation for impending respiratory failure. Most ICU's here are run by both pulmonology/critical care docs and anesthesiologists. They were great about getting the students involved in learning about the indications for procedures and actually getting to do them.
Rounding is a bit different in the ICU, as are progress notes. The notes are usually done by organ system instead of the SOAP format. You can probably find some examples online, but the general subjective flow is neuro, pulm, cardio, fen, heme/id, gi/gu, icu (lines, prophylaxis, etc). Then an assessment followed by a problem list that is again systems based but more focused: i.e. AMS, ARDS, CHF, ARF, etc. A lot more data to collect when prerounding and this method really works well.
I'm not sure where you are doing you ICU rotation but here there is A LOT of talk about evidence-based medicine including ARDSnet protocol, sepsis algorhythms, transfusion requirements, insulin control, etc. If you are really itching for some good papers give me a PM and include your email address and I'll send some salient papers that are often talked about on rounds. There is also a great textbook to check out from your school library (if they carry it) and it is called Chest Medicine. The main authors are the Mathay brothers and Dr. Light (Light's Criteria). Great book that really explains a lot of the respiratory issues you are faced with in critical medicine. Don't worry too much. Most ICU doc's clearly remember that someone's first experience in the ICU can be overwhelming. I wouldn't worry about trying to look incredibly prepared. Just show up and work hard. You will learn a ton.
Have fun!
