CVICU Interview for newer RN

[ScottsdaleRN123]

Dear RNs,

I could use some advice! My dream since becoming an RN has been to work in either critical care or emergency nursing. Upon graduation, everyone I've talked to has told me to get a year of med-Surg experience first prior to applying to the more critical patient care areas. Well, I have completed my year of Med-Surg and was able to get ACLS done on my own. Now I'm antsy to get started doing what i really want to do! I have been applying absolutely everywhere since completing my year of RN experience and getting my ACLS, without much luck. I finally got a call today to interview for a CVICU position tomorrow! It's short notice for an interview, but I am really excited for the opportunity. I was just looking for some advice about what things they may be specifically looking for for this position. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

CVICU work is usually very heavy into management of hemodynamics... titration of drips to achieve specific parameters & advanced EKG in addition to post-surgical care for external pacer wires, chest tubes, cell-saver/re-perfusion systems, etc. as well as 'regular' post surgical stuff. This is probably the area in which IABP & VADs are used. Some CVICUs also serve as the PACU for CV surgery, so you may want to find out about that.

I would encourage you to inquire about training opportunities & expectations for nurses who are transitioning from other clinical areas, patient ratio, staffing model, frequency of 'floating' to other areas. . . If you can, also ask about the tenure of existing staff & average turnover. It's helpful information - can give you an idea of whether they are used to dealing with newbies or not.

Best of luck to you. Go Get 'Em!!!