Clinical in Telemetry

Hey! Congratulations, your first clinical is definitely something to be excited about. I am currently rotating on a telemetry unit as well. What is expected of you as far as assessments go depends on which patient you pick, as some patients on a telemetry floor are actually "non tele" and are not hooked up to a monitor, and others may be hooked up so you can read their EKG but they have what we call "normal sinus rhythm" (no dysrhythmias, their heart works like normal.) So, make sure you look at their diagnosis and base your assessments and interventions off of that. For example, if a patient who has had a stroke comes in, you would want to frequently assess their neuro status (are they alert and oriented x4? how do their pupils respond to light? etc.) Also, since it's your first clinical, don't stress! Not a lot will be expected of you, you're just there to learn and help where you can. ?

I work tele! I usually give report to the student so they know what is going on with my patients. I usually get students in 3rd or 4th semester so expectations and skill level are a little higher. All the patients on my floor are on telemetry and some are stepdown. I make it a point to explain the tele strips to the student and why the patient needs to be on the tele unit. 3rd and 4th semester students usually pass meds and do all hands on skills. Some are required to do a care plan on one patient, or do a head to toe, pass meds, or explain pathophys. Any specific assignment you need to complete during clinical?

I'm finishing up my clinical on a tele floor right now (second semester student). Previously I'd been on a lower acuity med-surge floor. Tele is much more interesting. There's always a lot going on, with a variety of patients. The "tele" aspect of the floor is not really your concern--once you learn to read EKGs it's cool, but until then the trickiest part is helping a patient change their gown with the tele pack attached! Anyway, I love it. Have fun!