[Changing Paths]

Hello All....
Ok here it goes! I am currently a couple years out of the 1st round of college. While working as an engineer I volunteered a total of 150 hours in several PT settings. This prompted me to take A&P while working. This has opened up a whole new world to me. I have become very interested in nursing, medicine and rehab. I also became pretty interested in cardiac etc during class. Sooooooooo
I was wondering what types of settings you work in, mostly in or out patient?
Also I was wondering how the roles of a Nurse Practitioner vs. Clinical Nurse Specialist would differ in the cardiac rehab world. Thank you for any info!

[Lilly57]

Lee1,

wow 14 yrs experience, what would you suggest I study first as a new cardiac rehab RN. Everything in this position is very interesting for me I don't know where to start and whats most important.

Looking forward to your advice.

Lilly57

Originally Posted by lee1

I have been doing cardiac rehab for the last 14 years. Only recently however full time. Prior it was combined with CCU to make my time full time
You need to have a good cardiac solid background. You need to understand what phases exist in cardiac rehab. Phase I is inpatient education generally to post MI/angina/PTCA/Stent/CHF pt about their risk factors. Most of these patients can ambulate on their own and we also go over home walking program with t hem. We also see post OHS patients and are presently being sucked into seeing more of those patients (which I personally disagree is really cardiac rehab but is more PT/OT). The surgical pts we are attempting to help with early ambulation thus shortening LOS. No real education can be done at this point when they are only 4 days postop and being sent home. We do go over briefly exercise walking program they are expected to do at home.
Phase II is a monitored out pt program. This can generally be 5-6 pt at a time you are responsible for----watching a EKG telemtry screen and helping them with their exercises. This can be a great deal of work especially verifying insurances, etc. especially if you do not have a secretary to help with that aspect.
Phase IV are maintenance pts who come to exercise, not monitored, and are self pay. They have previously completed a phase II program and you generally know their cardiac conditions are stable
Anything else would be glad to help with.

[mchrisrn]

Hi all, I have an interview for a part time cardiac rehab position next week. It is a job I really want. I have no college degrees, I've been a med-surg nurse who graduated with a RN diploma about 30 yrs ago. I have kept ACLS certification current though I rarely use it b/c my goal is to PREVENT "codes". What would you seasoned cardiac rehab nurses look for in a member of your staff. What would be good to review/learn? The job has been removed from its advertising website so I am afraid they have found someone else. Thank you for any information. Mary

[lee1]

Originally Posted by mchrisrn

Hi all, I have an interview for a part time cardiac rehab position next week. It is a job I really want. I have no college degrees, I've been a med-surg nurse who graduated with a RN diploma about 30 yrs ago. I have kept ACLS certification current though I rarely use it b/c my goal is to PREVENT "codes". What would you seasoned cardiac rehab nurses look for in a member of your staff. What would be good to review/learn? The job has been removed from its advertising website so I am afraid they have found someone else. Thank you for any information. Mary

EKG telemtry arrhythmia knowledge
All aspects of cardiac nursing---post stent/PCI, post MI, post OHS
Cardiac risk factor education counciling
Cardiac diet education counciling
independent practice, so assertiveness, patient satisfaction, etc. etc.