CHF unit for new RN

LeilaLilly · Aug 3, 2011

Only thing I can suggest is review the CHF stuff and remember that you will learn a lot on the job. Don't be afraid to ask questions, better to admit that you don't know than to make a big mistake.

Is this a "cardiac unit" or just for CHF.

P.S. they thought you could do the job so they hired you, right? so keep your confidence and try not to let the patient see you nervous or unsure, because the patient will feel the same way about you as their nurse.

RNChristy · Aug 3, 2011

Study CHF, HTN, CAD, COPD, AFib, Valve disorders and Renal Disease as many CHF patients have these comorbidities. Study medications, treatments, Telemetry (cardiac rhythms, if monitors are involved which they usually are in the hospital) and care plans for this type of patient. ACLS may also be helpful.

Hope this helps.

Christy

heron, ASN, RN · Aug 3, 2011

I also recommend you learn as much as possible about how hospice and palliative care works in your facility. (BTW, those are two different things.)

While certainly not a priority now, I'm sure you will eventually be involved in answering questions from patients and families about the options available. The process of transitioning from aggressive/curative care to end of life care can be long, complicated and highly emotional for all involved.

If you're lucky, there's a palliative care service in your facility that can help with comfort and quality of life issues with your patients. I recently read that, in patients with lung cancer, good palliative care actually extended life significantly. It was one study and I don't have the citation right now ... will hunt it down and post it when I find it.

Of course, as I said before, the clinical learning suggested by other posters is way more important right now. However, good palliative and end of life care is very much a part of the continuum of care for these patients. Trust me, it will come up.

ETA: Link to the NE Journal of Medicine article: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1000678

pensue37 · Aug 3, 2011

Thanks Leila, it is more of a telemetry/congestive treatment center. My understanding is a step below cardiac ICU. And yes, they did have confidence to hire me. I believe this last year has helped to build my confidence but also, it has allowed the "fear of God" feelings from nursing school to dim slightly! :)

pensue37 · Aug 3, 2011

Study CHF, HTN, CAD, COPD, AFib, Valve disorders and Renal Disease as many CHF patients have these comorbidities. Study medications, treatments, Telemetry (cardiac rhythms, if monitors are involved which they usually are in the hospital) and care plans for this type of patient. ACLS may also be helpful.
Hope this helps.
Christy

Awesome list, Christy! Thank you... I begin orientation in 2 weeks so I will find out if ACLS is part of that. If not, I will get it on my own.

pensue37 · Aug 3, 2011

I also recommend you learn as much as possible about how hospice and palliative care works in your facility. (BTW, those are two different things.)
While certainly not a priority now, I'm sure you will eventually be involved in answering questions from patients and families about the options available. The process of transitioning from aggressive/curative care to end of life care can be long, complicated and highly emotional for all involved.
If you're lucky, there's a palliative care service in your facility that can help with comfort and quality of life issues with your patients. I recently read that, in patients with lung cancer, good palliative care actually extended life significantly. It was one study and I don't have the citation right now ... will hunt it down and post it when I find it.
Of course, as I said before, the clinical learning suggested by other posters is way more important right now. However, good palliative and end of life care is very much a part of the continuum of care for these patients. Trust me, it will come up.
ETA: Link to the NE Journal of Medicine article: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1000678

Thanks heron, I agree that it is important to understand palliative care and hospice while working in this area. In the nursing home I have dealt with it somewhat. I do believe that good palliative care can prolong life but more importantly it makes the remainder of their life more bearable. Not just for the patient, but the family surrounding them. Always holistic!

applewhitern, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2011

This sounds like a great place to be! You will learn so much more than your old job taught you. Plus being there from 7a to 7p is good, because most of the docs will round in the morning, so you can ask questions if you desire. I hope you enjoy your new job!