[Amy O. Darone]

Hello,

I am about to start my preceptorship in the CVICU next week, and we graduate later this month. I would really like to work there when I graduate, so in an effort to help boost my knowledge, I took a Critical Care course over the summer to learn about rhythms and the catheters and stuff. I haven't taken ACLS yet, with our last class being so jam-packed. I am just wondering, what advice can you give me for preparing for my preceptorship? Are there any good books on CV surgery nursing I should be reading? Any and all advice and suggestions would be appreciated. I just love cardiac and have utmost respect for all you cardiac nurses. I'm hoping you'll share some of your perceptions, coming into it as a new grad. Thanks much!

[XIGRIS]

I started in CVICU right after graduation. Tha was 14 years ago and I am glad I did. There are some things I learned from that experience.
You must be eager to learn new and challenging stuffs. Do not be afraid to ask questions even if it sounds stupid. That's how we learn. Do not be intimadated. There are so many machines and tubes and lines in CVICU. Be strong and just go for it. Listen to every preceptors / CVICU nurses. They have little tidbits that they will share to you. Grab them and be thankful. You'll use them later. Learn to listen with both ears and see things without looking at it. When you first admit a fresh CABG, you will notice that surgeon and anesthesiologist bring the patient with multiple lines ( in my case, its like sphagetti ) and the shout orders every second. Learn how to listen and remember.
It may sound overwhelming at first but trust me, if you really want to be a CVICU nurse you will hang on in there. Be patient and remember all of us who are "seasoned" CVICU nurses started like you. Scared, anxious but willing to learn.
In my hospital, I decide who to train in CVICU. I always have a preference for the fresh graduates. My concept: new grads are like sponge, they absorb everyhting you teach them.
Good luck to you.

[Amy O. Darone]

Thanks so much, Xigris. That is very encouraging, since so many people seem to advise against going there as a new grad. I appreciate your thoughts.

[traumarn1]

I started in the cvicu as a new grad 13+ years ago. Thick skin and an ability to let the "little things" roll off your back is also helpful. It was my time on that unit that afforded me the ability to work in a level 1 trauma center ER as well as become a flight nurse. I am a strong believer that a new grad can and will learn anything in the right environment. Find those most willing to share their knowledge and use them...... they are indispensible. Do your best to ignore the nay-sayers. I can not stress the importance of asking a question if you don't know the answer or are unsure of what to do......you will earn far more respect by asking than playing as if you know. Good luck....it is a great experience.

[ethelbsnrn]

I am an ICU-CCU nurse. Won't work other unit. My husband is in nursing school and convincing him to work same area. I love critical thinking and hemodynamics..

[Nitecap]

damn

[zambezi]

I started as a new grad in a medical cardiac/cv surgery CCU. I have been there for one year and I love it. As others have mentioned, be a sponge, listen to those you work with. EAch individual RN may do things a little differently, find out what works best for you (and is within policy and procedure).
Taking acls and cardiac rhythms was not only mandatory but also very helpful, also taking a hemodynamics course and then using medications and seeing the results was helpful for me. Go to and be involved in all of the codes that you can. If you can watch a surgery it is really interesting and it allows you to see everything from the surgeons perspective (personally, I would watch a cabg and a valve surgery if you have a choice...valve surgeries are so interesting). Most of all have fun learning and have a good attitude. Learn who you can trust (hopefully everyone) and have a good support system in the unit. Good luck.