Cvicu,cvrr, Cicu, Ccu

[CCURN87]

Hi all you cardiac nurses! I am curious as to what exact unit you work on in the hospitals you are at. I am very interested in becoming a cardiac nurse and eventually want to go into CRNA school. I'm currently working in a CICU as an extern/intern at a large teaching hospital, and I must say that i am learning quite alot and it's only been my 3rd day. What type of patients do you have there? How would you describe the acuity level? How many beds are on the unit? If you could also share one of your most interesting, powerful, inspiring stories while you worked as a cardiac nurse that would be great!

[anurseuk]

I work in cardiothoracic critical care. It's mainly for recovery post cardiac or thoracic surgery and all being well they can step down to the high dependancy unit on the ward the next morning post op... all being well. Obviously being cardiothoracic and critical care things often to not go well and we will often have long term patients too; pt's returning to theatre for bleeding, open chests on the unit for tamponades, arrests etc. We also receive cardiology patients as emergencies and other emergencies pre op.

We have 22 beds and are not up to full quota yet as have only been open just over a year. Are standards are high and hopefully we can be a centre of excellence soon.... love it!