Clinical Decision Unit

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2016

In nursing school my preceptor and I floated to a CDU. Its not really part of the ER but more an extension of the ER. Its more a holding area for observation where pts are too sick to be sent home but not sick enough to require an admission. If after about 48 hrs the pt does not improve, they may be admitted. If they stabalize, then they are discharged. Its a fast paced area with lots and admissions and discharges. You will be helping keep pts stable, pain med's, give fluids dress wounds etc. After working there for a while you should be able to move to the ER.

_LittleMsRN · Jan 25, 2016

Thank you! Sounds like a great stepping stone!

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2016

yes it's more likely easier to get from CDU to ER.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Jan 28, 2016

Different places run CDU different ways. There is a 24 hour limit where I live. Usually CP with neg trops who need a treadmill. New DVT who needs lovenox teaching and elderly, dehydration, IV antibiotics for cellulitis. It's a fairly quick turn around. We staff it with ER nurses. It gets frustrating when you know it's a pt that's going to need to be in the hospital longer. Acute onset CHF, first timer (really?)

It will be a good stepping stone to the rest of ER, the only way to really get the hand of ER is to do it. Putting in tons of IVs, labs, not knowing diagnosis, but guesstimating based on symptoms and treating until it's confirmed. I love ER and good luck to you :)

you will have an assignment where you get new pts coming and going. You will be giving them their routine meds, making sure they get to and from procedures and doing repeat labs and making sure no changes. You will be repeating ekgs for comparison and monitoring tele pts to ensure no rhythm changes. Assessment, meds, feed them if allowed.

You will interact with ER nurses a lot which is a good way to get familiar. Your reports from them probably won't be as detailed as you like and investigating the chart will give a lot more info. Er report tends to be why they are there, pertinent history if we know it, what abnormal tests have resulted, additional testing they need and meds given to help.

_LittleMsRN · Jan 28, 2016

Thank you so much for the info! I start Feb 8 and I am nervous.

Thanks again!

novice nurse :)

SororAKS, ADN, RN · Feb 1, 2016

Good luck on your new job!