Hello-Spankin' new to Cardiology Nursing

[blackIrish]

Hello- I just accepted a position to a monitored cardiac unit. I have less than one year of med/surg under my belt. Cardiac intimidates me a little, but I am very excited to learn and take on the challenge.

Is there any way that I can better prepare myself for my orientation?

The manager told me they don't do open hearts, or balloons, or even caths or any "really crazy" procedures there-they send them to the HUGE sister hospital 5 minutes away. They do get lots of MI's, CHF, so on.

I guess I am getting nervous-when we had anyone's heart start to do weird things on us on the med/surg floor, we called and got them transferred ASAP.

Any words of wisdom or thoughts for me?

I look forward to really spending alot of time learning on this board!

Thanks in advance-

buff

[goody986]

:redpinkhe:redpinkhei am also new to a cardiology clinic, but we are starting to do heart caths within the next couple of weeks, and i am horrified....i am a baby lpn and did not have to learn alot about strips and heart rythms in school, so all of this is new to me. i didn't even know how to obtain abi's until last week......how did you get through?:bugeyes::redpinkhe:redpinkhe:redpinkhe

[blueberrybon]

Hey I'm "Spankin' new # 2" ...

I'm in the same boat, except I'm considering a position in a cardiology clinic. The doctor I would be working for does everything that has to do with the heart. I've been an LPN for a year now, but know almost nothing about the cardiovasular system. There are so many aspects of the speciality. I also have not in my year of nursing had the opportunity to do blood draws or IV starts, both of which are part of the job. In the positions I have held thus far, there are always lab technicians to do those skills.

My concern is that I'll be walking into a position which has always been held by an RN. They are considering RN or LPN since the position has opened up. If I take it, I'll be the first LPN like I said, so the DR has been working with RNs for almost 30 years. My fear is that since I'm a mere LPN and one with no cardiac experience AT ALL, what might I be getting myself into. I am envisioning doctor and co-workers alike rolling eyes and mentally wondering how I ever landed the job.

The major selling point for me is 1) no more weekends 2) set schedule 3) ability to focus on an area of nursing 4) see patients regularly (somewhat) and build rapport

I work in LTC right now and though it pays better, I see many other benefits that outweigh pay.

I don't want my uneasiness to overshadow my decision making. But I remain uncertain.

Blue

[dianah, ASN]

What you'd be getting yourself into is, a whole lot of learning! :)

You can do it.

My only concern is, if the MD has only worked w/RNs, that he (or anyone else) doesn't push you beyond your scope of practice as an LPN.

Again, if they'll teach, you can do it. :)

Good luck!