Hi my fellow cardiac/CT nurses!

zephyr9 · Nov 26, 2015

Congratulations! I'm trying for a position on one. It seems like a complex specialty where the learning will never end. EKG's are really hard for me but I'm trying to review that and my drugs for the phone interview I'm hoping to get. It would be my first job.

I hope it's going great for you!

kalycat, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2015

My unit had pretty extensive training. We hang all cardiac drips and some pressors. When I started I reviewed cardiac electrophysiology (since we see a lot of BBB and complete heart blocks) as well as post heart cath protocols, complications from open heart surgery, and your heart sounds (S1, S2, splits, gallops, murmurs, etc.)

My floor also does VADs, transplants, and young congenital heart patients, so complications of left/right sided heart failure, complications of low EF, and consequences for renal function are all important things. Flash pulmonary edema response.

Med titration at my place is pretty well spelled out in order sets, but there are some different meds out there that are worth a look. I give a lot of milrinone, nesiritide, octreotide, nitro drips, insulin drips, isuprel, lidocaine (transplants) and amiodarone. Atropine for Brady. Know your standing orders inside and out for emergencies....we have several code a week. Hope that helps a little!!

ETA: just saw the date on your post. Hope things are going awesome in your new role!! (Oops!)

Wrench Party · Nov 30, 2015

I hit nights this week off orientation. We'll see how that goes!

MYSTICOOKIEBEAR · Jan 6, 2016

I hit nights this week off orientation. We'll see how that goes!

How are things going?! Being able to quickly identify a rhythm and also knowing your unit's protocols for when SHTF is very important!

Wrench Party · Jan 7, 2016

Rotating has been going fine; the patient load is somewhat infuriating during days but fine at night. I'm quickly learning people will use the care nurse as the messenger when they should be writing notes; I've been documenting accordingly in the chart.

As far as rhythm ID goes, nothing too crazy so far- saw accelerated junctional, Afib, a run of V tach, and 1st degree heart block. Lots of Tx and post-op patients, not so many pacers. No LVADS yet because I have to take the classes. Fair share of CABG and thoracic patients.

kalycat, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2016

Rotating has been going fine; the patient load is somewhat infuriating during days but fine at night. I'm quickly learning people will use the care nurse as the messenger when they should be writing notes; I've been documenting accordingly in the chart.
As far as rhythm ID goes, nothing too crazy so far- saw accelerated junctional, Afib, a run of V tach, and 1st degree heart block. Lots of Tx and post-op patients, not so many pacers. No LVADS yet because I have to take the classes. Fair share of CABG and thoracic patients.

Dude. I couldn't rotate. Kudos to you. Days and I are just not meant to be. My unit has aides on days but not on nights, and our ratio can actually be up to 4 on nights....it can get crazy but they're actually pretty good about trying to break up the acuity. My heart still belongs to night shift. Sounds like you're progressing awesomely! [emoji1]

Wrench Party · Jan 19, 2016

Yeah, I hate rotating. I'm on days the next 3 weeks at both jobs- I can't wait to get back to nights!

My per diem gig is in cardiology and quite sweet I must say- 1:4 during days, 1:5 nights, aides do more than I'm used to, and charting is more minimal.