"Bumped to the Bottom??"

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in ED, ICU, Education.

I applied to train for open-heart in Feb, was approved, took a test, and am now awaiting the training part which will take about 2-3 weeks. I have experience with balloon pumps from a previous CICU position, and did take the class at my new job just for the paper record. Due to a scheduling error, I was only able to participate in the didactic portion of the most recent class.

The educator stated that she would check me off for the hands-on portion asap, but has yet to do this, and now she is leaving to work somewhere else!

I spoke with my supervisor about this and she said that I can't be trained now until I take another balloon pump class (which won't be until October), and that I am still a candidate to take hearts, but am "bumped to the bottom."

If it wasn't for being accepted to open heart training, I would have transferred to another unit. Now I'm lost. Not sure if I should wait until October, or talk to the manager, or transfer as originally planned.

I was so excited for the opportunity. I worked so hard to get where I am and feel like I've been duped because of a darn scheduling error! GRUMBLE!:mad:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cardiac (CCU/Heart Transplant, cath lab).

Can you inquire about IABP classes at other local hospitals or contact Maquet (formerly Datascope, if that is the IABP that your facility uses) to see when your clinical rep will be around again? Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Practice, Mental Health.

You must work at my hospital! This has happened to me in other endeavors here.

When that happened to me, I found my own way to be certified in what I wanted to do and came back out on top. It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game :)

Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've been promised things and the promises dissipate into the ozone. I've learned not to rely on promises, instead I treat them as "nice if it happens". Now, what really hurts is when I see someone else getting the earth and heaven handed to them on a platter, while promises to me were words only, never acted upon. If I say something, I am "not a team player".

I would continue to look into this or do the other transfer. If you don't push for it, it will not happen at all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

Has the educator left yet? Is it still possible to go in on your own time to get tested out? If they have left can you contact the new educator?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

If you did the didactic portion why can't a nurse experienced in that procedure check you off?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, Education.

Thanks for the replies. The educator is leaving on 4/28. She basically told me that this is not her problem, and there is no new educator slotted to take her place anytime soon.

It will make no difference to take a class at another venue because it didn't matter before.

I will check with another staff to see if I can get checked off.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment