Calling all Open Heart RNs...Please help

[**All Heart RN**]

I'm a new Nurse in a Cardiac Internship program and will begin my last rotation in a few days which will be on an Open Heart floor.

I'll be working with patients that have just received some type of open heart surgery or transplant. I'm wanting to know what are some typical protocol orders that I should be familiar with, along with typical meds that are given on this floor...and any other words of wisdom you may want to share concerning this type of floor or patient population.

Thanks for your help!

[1smartrn]

I started out as a new grad in the CVICU, as well. We do OHS here, and I was oriented to fresh hearts about six months ago. I have been an RN for almost 2 years, now. Let me start out by saying welcome to the lifestyle, and you are perfectly capable of being a fantastic heart nurse. It's big and scary at first, but you will soon establish your own rhythm and routine and start feeling more comfortable.

Each hospital manages their patients slightly differently, but the main things I would be at least moderately familiar with would be electrolyte replacement, vasopressors, inotropes, and insulin drips (though those protocols vary widely facility to facility). If you are not already familiar with your facilities Swan/PA catheters, study them. Learn what filling pressures are desired and your cardiac surgeon's preferences. All of that will come with time and experience.

Relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy. You have just dove into a specialty that is as intriguing as it is complicated. Good luck with orientation!

[paramedic-RN]

Instead of asking strangers, why don't you ask to follow a nurse for 5 hours and take all the notes you feel would help you prepare?

a cardiac surgery area is so multifaceted, that the meds, treatments alter depending upon the grafts, on pump, off pump, valve, type of bypass... it is so compicated that you have no idea what your entering in...

The fact that you need to ask shows your lack of knowledge and poor prep. So ask to follow a nurse before this as an observer, on your own time... yep on your own time and figure it out.

sound harsh... so is needing to know what to do here and I'm lacking the spoon to give it to you... if you want it that badly, get it before hand... otherwise you'll drown. Internet people can't give you what you need... prepare ahead of time. this is a fast paced live or die experience that you need to fully prepare for...this forum is the sloppy way to get a portion of it.

Wow so rude, why don't you check out the bullying forums, hopefully it's eye opening for you. Also it's not so easy to just 'follow a nurse' most managers aren't willing to pay the OT and to say you'll go in for free isn't allowed because your can't be 'working' off the clock.