What's it like working on a Cardiac floor?

Specialties Cardiac

Published

  • Specializes in CNA (Stroke, Neuro, LTC), Volunteer.

I am a new BSN student starting in August.

I have always been interested in Oncology, but my hospital doesn't have a very big oncology unit. I also like the NICU, but that's hard to get into. The only other real interest I have is the cardiac unit, and lucky for me the hospital I am going to school at and will probably work at has a huge cardiac unit.

So, what's it like working on the cardiac floor? And is there any good reads that would give me insight into the day-to-day life of a cardiac nurse?

Thanks!

try to spin fifty ceramic plates in the air all at the same time without dropping any and only using two hands.

some days that is what it feels like

beckd

2 Posts

I have been doing it for many years and find that the pt load makes all the difference. I was charge with 6 pts at the VA and life sucked. I work at at cardiac specialty unit with a charge nurse who is not in ratio and a pt load of 4 to 5. It can be hectic if all your pts are on drips, but I enjoy it.

brandnewbie

2 Posts

It can be very scary at times. I frequently get calls from telemetry that my patient has converted into a rhythm that I only read about in my med-surg nursing school books. And when pushing heavy cardiac drugs becomes as common as giving a daily vitamin, it can be easy to drop your guard. It's very rewarding and always keeps you on your toes though.

On my best days I'm running my tail off and on my worst days it's utter chaos. But I have great co-workers and supportive charge nurses who make all of the difference sometimes. I will say that it's definitely been a good learning experience.

bumblebee2010

55 Posts

any tips for a new grad going into cardiac /tele????

Do-over, ASN, RN

1,085 Posts

Specializes in CICU.

Love working cardiac step-down, but agree that ratios make all the difference.

eemurpheeRN

4 Posts

Specializes in Cardiac Surgery stepdown, Telemetry.
any tips for a new grad going into cardiac /tele????

Just started as a new grad on a cardiothoracic stepdown unit...i worked there as a patient care tech in school and i think that helped a lot. however, so far i have learned and been told the tips for a new grad on any similar unit....be organized, don't be afraid to ask questions, do your best, and always be open to learn new things!

good luck! :) i know where you're at as i am there too!!

bumblebee2010

55 Posts

thanks emurphee....I appreciate the message. Any specific tips relating to cardiac that you've learned so far? thanks

BartC_RN

23 Posts

I am a new BSN student starting in August.

I have always been interested in Oncology, but my hospital doesn't have a very big oncology unit. I also like the NICU, but that's hard to get into. The only other real interest I have is the cardiac unit, and lucky for me the hospital I am going to school at and will probably work at has a huge cardiac unit.

So, what's it like working on the cardiac floor? And is there any good reads that would give me insight into the day-to-day life of a cardiac nurse?

Thanks!

Sorry, a little late to topic.

It's fast. Very, very fast.

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