Did everyone love telemetry???

[ashemson]

Just wondering if everyone started out loving telemetry and knew that's what you wanted to do, or did it take some getting used to? I am a recent grad in May, and because the hospital I worked at paid for my tuition, I am working for them for 1 year to pay it back. Unfortunately, cardiac was NOT my favorite thing in school and that is where they put me to work at. I am really, really trying to learn, and trying to like it, but it just isn't coming to me. I have always had this mental block when it comes to the heart and I stink at reading the monitor strips! So does anyone have any motivational words or has anyone been in this same situation and just eventually learned to love tele?!

Would love to hear from someone that was once in the same boat as me!!

[el_peon]

I went from behavioral health to ICU. Talk about baptism by fire. I didnt get it at first, but once you take ACLS, the whole picture really starts to come together. I also got a rhythm interpretation book that had The Far Side cartoons in it to help explain what's what and why. It was goofy, but it really stuck. If you think about it, its nothing but a basic electrical system, with a few simple parts.

[ashemson]

Yeah, I think the whole electrical system thing just hasn't "stuck" yet. Like I said, I am really trying to like it and learn it because I think with a tele or ICU background, that is really the foundation for everything. I know how important it is, I just need to stick it!!

[al7139, ASN, RN]

Hi there,

I will say this: I was new fresh out of school and got my job on a tele unit...Keep in mind that I hated cardio in school lectures, but ended up doing one clinical and my preceptorship on the unit I now work on. In school I swore I would never work cardio and wanted to be an ER nurse or in an ICU. All my nurse friends told me to get at least 2 years in med surg before going that route. I never paid any attention until my clinical there. I was amazed at how interesting and challenging it was, and actually interviewed and was hired before I graduated based on a rec from my clinical instructor. Yes it was scary since cardio was not my strong point, but I had great preceptors and a good orientation to get me started. I am surprised at how much I like it now even after 2 years. I have learned alot and feel like I know what I am capable of as a good nurse. My patients like me mostly (you can't get along with everyone), and I am learning something new every day. Itis overwhelming at first, but you can get through that and find your groove. I use all my resources (tele techs "what the hell is that rhythm?", pharmacy, books, other nurses. I am not alone, and only need to ask for help to get it. Monitor strips are easier, and if I am unsure I ask. Just because I have RN after my name, doesn't mean I know everything. Ask for help. You are still new to this noone expects you to know everything right off.

You will be fine.

Amy