Floating to CVICU

[SE2010]

I have 5 years of experience in MICU and CCU, and recently have started floating to CVICU. I only got one day of orientation, and I'm feeling kind of out of my element when I have to float. Does anyone have good resources for leading more about this patient population? I feel like I want a better handle on what makes these surgical patients different from medical patients, and what usual/expected care looks like, as well as what complications I should be aware of. Thanks!

[wayemika]

this has started happening to me too recently. I read the hospitals provided material and health streams (videos too)

i also use Fast Facts for the Cardiac Surgery Nurse, Second Edition

Cardiovascular Care Made Incredibly Easy 3rd edition

Cardiac Surgery Essentials for Critical Care Nursing

Manual of Perioperative Care in Adult Cardiac Surgery 5th Edition

[CareerStudent10]

When I began in CVICU I found that researching various medical device companies was very helpful in understanding the basic mechanism and functions of each device. Companies such as abiomed, syncardia, thoratec, medtronic, etc have excellent resources readily available. Edwards lifesciences also has an excellent YouTube channel with information ranging from swan-ganz placement and waveforms to flotrac and vigileo calibration. Depending on the services available in your specific hospital you may have a structural heart team, a heart failure team (for VAD/transplant workup),a transplant team, a cardiac surgical team, vascular surgical services etc. Often times various services are consulted for a single patient with one primary service managing care. I have learned a great deal from asking the providers and mid levels questions as to why treatment progresses one way or another. With the experience you have you will be able to recognize changes in patient status and identify patient needs. If you have a device or something you have not seen before ask the charge or another experienced nurse on the floor for tips/advice. I have also always asked what to do in a worst case scenario situation. Even now, every shift I mentally run through a code in my head. Whether it is clamping a disconnected ecmo circuit or turning an impella down to P2 during compressions. The more you float there the more comfortable you will feel. Hope this helps.