applying for grad position in cardiac

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 8, 2009

hi i'm finishing at the end of the year and thinking of applying for a cardiac ward. any tips and things i should know about cardiac nursing???

nothing... seriously... as a new grad nurse you know nothing. you skim the basics in nursing school but the tele/cardiac floors are so much harder and more detailed then what you experience in nursing school and what is expected of you to know to take the nclex that you know nothing when you start. therefore, relax!!! learn what you can in nursing school to help with the nclex but know that as a new grad you will learn more. in fact you will spend a lot of your off time studying in order to keep up with the basics as you orient. if you like cardiac it will not be a problem. also, try not to get upset about the other new grads outside of icu or trauma eds who do not have to study because their floors are easier; it is just the way it is...!!

by the way, if you wish to start studying now try reading the cardiac forum: https://allnurses.com/cardiac-nursing/. good luck!

josefhrn · Jul 10, 2009

I was formerly a cardiac/tele/PCU RN. I'd suggest staying away from gossip, period, anywhere in nursing (that's a tip). When it comes specifically to cardiac nursing ... I suggest never overlooking something that may not seem important (whatever that may be to you, or anyone). Treat pain. Pain is what they say it is when they say it. Remember nitro, konw where it is and find out how easily and quickly you can get it ... because you will need it. Chest pain- Nitro, oxygen (don't be stingy, but follow your leaders on the floor ... charge RN) the physician will back you up, calling MD (with explanation of patients pain, description), morphine if they have it PRN ... if not ask for it. Don't be nervous. Chest pain usually is OK when it's treated immediately. MOST importantly know where the nitro is and be sure you have O2 tubing. Your job is to keep the patient alive ... not to worry about what another nurse may think of how you handled the situation. Your job is to keep the patient alive, and make the MD aware asap, when you know they will live. Stay cool and calm. If you know chest pain and how to deal with it you're golden. There are many different types of things you'll see on these floors, but you should learn by experience and trusted peers ... and especially trustworthy/respectable elders of the profession on your floor (in particular). Good luck, God bless, think "no stress" and maybe you won't have it!