CICU Info

[OwlieO.O]

I'm applying for a CICU position as a CNA. I'm wondering what to expect about this type of unit. I only have ~11 months experience as a medication aide and caregiver and all my nursing school prerequisites completed (understanding of anatomy & phys., microbiology, etc.)

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Our ClinTechs do vital signs, I & O's (hourly), hourly glucose checks, draw labs, assist with bathing, turning, linen change and incontenince care. They also assist with walking, exercise and other PT-type activities. They set up rooms for admissions and buddy with the nurse for admits. They assist with transfers to the chair or the commode as well as transfers to the step-down unit. They answer phones, carry specimens to the lab or pick up blood from the blood bank, especially when the tube system is down. They stuff charts, and may drive to Outback or Cheesecake factory to pick up the take-out order. (OK, that last isn't an official duty, but it sure makes a slow night seem special!)

The really good techs remind me of all that I've forgotten during my prolonged medical leave. (When you unplug a bed from the wall prior to taking the patient off to surgery, remember to unplug BOTH plugs. When you change out a feeding tube bag, make sure you use the right bag. When you run to the blood bank, remember that it's on the SIXTH floor . . . don't wander around the FIFTH floor looking for it because it used to be RIGHT HERE!)

A good tech makes the shift go so much more smoothly!