[Tele_Nurse4u]

Hey everyone. I am a BRAND NEW cardiac nurse! I love what i do, but it's way harder than I ever thought! Any helpful hints from all you seasoned R.N.'s? Organization tips, things I must know, what you couldnt live without (besides Pepsi and chocolate!) Let me know!
Thanks!
Steph_r.n.

[All_Smiles_RN]

Basic ECG, 12 lead, and ACLS

[al7139]

I am a new grad working cardiac also. I have been working for about 2 1/2 months on this unit. I love it, even when it's crazy. Yes it is very hard work and we have very sick patients. Here are some things that have helped me:
1. Work out your OWN organizational system (scheduled meds, treatments, assessments, etc.). Listen to what the other nurses do, and take what you can use, chuck the rest. Some RN's are better organized than others...I asked lots of nurses to show me how they organize their work. Don't let anyone force their way of doing things on you.
2. Learn your heart meds...your patients expect you to know. If I can't answer, I make sure I tell them that I will get them the info. Our hospital has great pt education handouts and online resources for all the wierd questions you will get.
3. ALWAYS check BP and apical pulses before giving your heart meds (esp bp meds), even if your assistant just checked it 1/2 hour ago...trust me it will come back to bite you in the a** if you don't (and who wants to be responsible for bottoming out a pt?).
4. I try to read the history of the pts I work with at the start of the shift, so I know whats going on with them, since you don't always get everything in your report.
5. Check your charts for new orders frequently. It really sucks, but MDs don't always put charts where they are supposed to be if they write orders, and you are not always informed by the AAs they are there.
6. If your telemetry monitors call you about an alarm, go check the pt and make sure they are ok, the pt may be in trouble.
7. Never be afraid to say "I don't know", but follow up with "I'll find out"
8. Treat your CNA's (or equivalent) with respect and courtesy. They are very skilled at their job, and a simple "please" or "thank you" goes a long way. You would be surprised at what they are capable of, and I try to meet w/them at start of shift to do a "mini" report. Don't ignore them if they say you need to come look at a pt.
9. I have had a number of cases where I wasn't familiar with the diagnosis...look it up!
10. Document everything.
11. Learn your rhythms, and how to recognize the bad ones.
I could probably think of more, but you will do alot of learning as you go. I hope that your unit has a really good preceptorship program, and that will help. Remember that you do not know everything, so ask lots of questions, and never do anything you aren't sure you can do without guidance.
Good luck! I hope you love it as much as I do!
Amy

[Tele_Nurse4u]

thanks!!
i need all the help i can get lol
i have already devised my OWN organizational report sheet. i kinda combined all the nurses stuff, and like you said..chucked out some too.
i actually have been doing pretty good i think, so im happy
weird...i thought id be a peds nurse or ob....cant imagine doin anything elese noW!