CCU nurse needs pearls of wisdom

allnurses Guide · Jun 21, 2008

I'm a brand new CCU nurse, going on 4 months now. Prior to moving into ICU I did BMT/oncology/telemetry. My ultimate goal is to gain 2 years ICU experience then become a CRNA. But I don't know if I can tolerate the painful physical intensity of CCU any longer My dilemma is this: CCU utilizes more physical work than mental. Chronically ill OBESE patients are constantly having diarrhea and multiple decub. ulcers requiring lots of dressing changes. Since its ICU, the nurse is responsible for cleaning and turning patients themselves (rarely have aide available).
I am so angry and depressed that I spend more time breaking my back (already have one herniated disc) than I do using my critical thinking for the job. I don't know how much longer I can take this!!! I'm kicking myself in the rear because I turned down a night shift position in CTICU---where there is less physical labor and more mental work. Unfortunately can't function well doing nights
Are there any words of encouragement/suggestions/pearls of wisdom that ICU nurses would like to offer to a discouraged 28 yr. old CCU nurse??

Is it a very small CCU you work in, as I know that the CCU in my hospital is very busy and the nurses are highly specalised. They interpret ECG's titrate cardiac drugs, they work in exactly the same scope as the ICU nurses do without the patient being ventilated.

ReeseW · Jun 21, 2008

Its a 20 bed unit. Once in awhile I hang vasopressors, work with orally intubated patients. They use us as an overflow unit, so we get pts. of all kinds including resp,medical, surgical. Once in awhile I get a true cardiac case.

allnurses Guide · Jun 22, 2008

We take nothing other than Cardiac patients in Our CCU without exception. The beds are protected

anurseuk · Jun 22, 2008

My unit is very mentally tiring, lots and lots of critical thinking! And when I've worked in general ICU there has been lots also; but I hadn't noticed one place to be more physically stressful.

Is it that your new to CCU and therefore not given the 'sickie' intubated, multiple inotrope, multiple failure patients? Then that'll come with experience and when the senior staff see your capabilities.

I would also say that 4months isn't that long (although it may have felt it) and you need to stick it out a while longer.

Also I do a lot of self directed study as the patients and there conditions are so complex and critical and I find that really benificial to aiding my critical thinking.

Hope that helps :)

ReeseW · Jun 22, 2008

My unit is very mentally tiring, lots and lots of critical thinking! And when I've worked in general ICU there has been lots also; but I hadn't noticed one place to be more physically stressful.
Is it that your new to CCU and therefore not given the 'sickie' intubated, multiple inotrope, multiple failure patients? Then that'll come with experience and when the senior staff see your capabilities.
I would also say that 4months isn't that long (although it may have felt it) and you need to stick it out a while longer.
Also I do a lot of self directed study as the patients and there conditions are so complex and critical and I find that really benificial to aiding my critical thinking.
Hope that helps :)

Thanks Anurseuk for your vote of confidence and support. You're right 4 mos. is not long...guess i'm anxious and frustrated that I haven't had any really complex cases yet. On my days off, I spend time researching things I need more understanding on, i.e. hemodynamic monitoring and vents. When I get focus on the negatives, its hard for me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm getting a great orientation as we speak...everyone from preceptors, respiratory, and nurse manager has been helpful with showing me the ropes. :clown:

Thanks again for your reply. How long have you been in ccu?

deeDawntee, RN · Jun 22, 2008

It definitely sounds that what you are going through is normal. It concerns me though that you are possibly putting yourself into a position of becoming injured. Remember that you MUST always protect yourself first. You have a long career ahead of you. Are you asking for help with turns and cares with those really heavy (literally and figuratively) patients? One pearl of wisdom (ignore this, if it is something you already do) is to get everything done that you can do without having to do any turning, then have all your treatments set-up and ready to go, including fresh linens etc, then ask for help with the turn so that you can quickly do your treatments, wash the pt's back, change linens and you are done. Your fellow staff will appreciate your foresight in having everything planned, so the process will go as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Also, I would definitely recommend getting your CCRN as soon as you can. It really helped me as a new ICU nurse to gain confidence and solidify my knowledge. It also is a very smart move for CRNA school acceptance. Check out the thread, we have some great advice!

Be patient and kind to yourself. Don't over exert yourself. Keep yourself safe and healthy!!

ReeseW · Jun 23, 2008

I always ask for help from collegues and/or aids. Despite the help, I still have pains in my lower back. My plan is to apply to school in 2 years, so I'm hoping I make it till then. Plan on taking both GRE & CCRN next year. I'll do whatever it takes to get to become a CRNA, even if it means transferring into CTICU night position! Wish me luck! Thank you very much for your response & suggestions!