I love Cardiac!!!

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I posted not too long ago about being assigned to Cardiac step-down unit for my preceptorship. I was so scared to start and honestly I didn't have a very good experience on that floor in Nursing III. I think that was because of my instructor who was so on edge about everything during our clinical time thinking we were going to do something wrong - there was so much tension on that floor it was ridiculous. Anyways, I just finished my 4th night shift in a row (I have 5 left) this morning. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!! It is so awesome! I really truly thought I would hate it. There is so much responsibility, there is ALWAYS something to do, The IV meds are nonstop. I don't know why but I'm having an amazing time there!

Just thought I'd say that and let you "seasoned" cardiac nurses know. I can totally see how cardiac nurses love what they do!!!

Specializes in CVICU, PACU, OR.

I'm glad you are enjoying it!

Specializes in ccu cardiovascular.

I'm glad you like it, and it will constantly keep you on your toes!

Specializes in Critical care.

I'm have a job interview comin up at an hospital and i was told that i might be assigned to the cardiac/telemetry unit. i am a little scared because i do not know what to expect from this experience. I know that it will be an wonderful learning experience but i hope i can keep up and not drown. pray for me

Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

It is a great experience, isn't it? I started out on a tele unit right after graduation. Never a dull moment! You certainly learn a lot!

Specializes in ccu cardiovascular.

Don't be afraid, you will do just fine. Good luck!

Specializes in Critical care.

Does Anyone Know What I Should Do To Prepare For The Cardiac/ Telemetry Unit? Should I Be Reading A Special Book Or Something

Specializes in Emergency.

Hi there!

Good luck. I am glad you have enjoyed your cardiac experience so much! I am a new grad (May this year), and got my first job as a nurse on a telemetry unit. I had a clinical and a preceptorship on this unit, and while I hated cardiac stuff in class, I loved the clinical experience I had here as a student, so I applied for a job, got hired, and have never looked back! I always thought I would go into ED nursing, but I am enjoying this unit so much, I may never make the jump to the ER. There is never a dull moment here. We get the heart patients, but we also accept medical pts here too, so there is always a variety. The most surprising thing for me is the relationship between patients, family, and us nurses. I never thought I would enjoy the level of interaction I have with them. I have met some amazing patients, and awesome families here. Whether it's seeing them leave the unit to go on with their lives, or helping a family through their grief over the death of a loved one, I enjoy it all (even though it is sad sometimes). I have had pts write or call, or family tell me "Thank You for being here" even though I felt I didn't do anything (especially when it is a death).

I love the bonding and relationships I develop with the pts and family, and I go home, even after a hard day, knowing I gave the best I had to give for the patients and family.

Even if I am not assigned to a patient I have cared for before, I try to stick my head in and say hello to them, so they know I care.

The best part is that almost all the other more seasoned nurses here are the same way, so I have really great examples to learn from.

This was also the ONLY unit during school where we students were eagerly welcomed, and not treated as a burden. The nurses here really wanted to teach us what they knew, and sought us out to do skills, etc. even though they could have done it way faster. I knew I wanted to be here so I could teach future nurses, and give them confidence, and help them look forward to being a nurse.

Amy

I am glad you are enjoying your job! So what types of things do you do as a cardiac nurse? I just finished a telemetry class, and am planning to start my nursing prereqs. I am currently applying for a job as a monitor tech, and i plan to watch the RNs very closely to see what they do! I initially wanted to be a lvn, but seriously considering RN because i want to do clinical skills, IVs, phlebotomy, meds, etc, and I understand that i may not get to do more than meds working in LTC and hospital jobs are scarce for lvns in california. So i'd love to hear more! TY! :lol2:

Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

Glad you're enjoying it! I love cardiac physiology, and I enjoy cardiac nursing very much. Not a big fan of chest pain, though. I think because chest pain is so ambiguous; is he having an MI or heartburn? I think I like the arrhythmias the best. I love reading EKGs.

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