Interested In Cardiac Nursing

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Specializes in GERIATRICS, DEMENTIA CARE, MED-SURG.

I have worked in med-surg for the last 2 years prior to that I did six years in geriatrics.

I am now finding myself very interested in switching to the cardiac floor. What useful info should I check into as I wait for a position to open.

Thanks for all your advice.

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Specializes in ICUs, Tele, etc..

Hello...I think Thelan's Critical Care Nursing is a very good reference for critical care. It's also pretty good because it explains brief physiology, assesment, diagnostic work up, and interventions in a nice readable way. It's also a good intro on EKG monitoring located on the Cardiac section. Even if it's CCU or Cardiac Tele that you're planning to go in I think that book is a lot of help. Good luck on your upcoming transition to Cardiac Nursing!!!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Hello...I think Thelan's Critical Care Nursing is a very good reference for critical care. It's also pretty good because it explains brief physiology, assesment, diagnostic work up, and interventions in a nice readable way. It's also a good intro on EKG monitoring located on the Cardiac section. Even if it's CCU or Cardiac Tele that you're planning to go in I think that book is a lot of help. Good luck on your upcoming transition to Cardiac Nursing!!!

Hello,nursing4him:)

hrtprncss has given you good info here.

I would, also, check into taking an ECG course and a dysrhythmia course. ACLS is a must.

Good luck.:balloons:

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Specializes in long term care.

Are you sure you're not my long-lost sibling?!

My work experience is so similar to yours. I did med-surg for 2 years. I swore I would NEVER work cardiac because the heart scared the living daylights out of me. :chair: I then did geriatrics for a year (and still pick up part time at the nursing home). Now I work cardiac stepdown/telemetry and absolutely LOVE it.:redbeathe Wouldn't tade it for anything.

Welcome to the wonderful world of cardiac.

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I will be graduating soon... I would like a career in cardiac... What do you think about starting out in med/surg/ tele for a year as a prep?? Any ideas

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
I will be graduating soon... I would like a career in cardiac... What do you think about starting out in med/surg/ tele for a year as a prep?? Any ideas

Hello, FutureRNTerri,:nurse:

I think that is a great idea. You will receive experience that will prepare you for this area. Also, an ECG course and basic dysrhythmia course will help you in this area as well. Take these now and then a resfresher before you go in the cardiac arena. And, don't forget ACLS, too.

Many facilities have links to teaching programs/hospitals who provide these courses for their employees. In my area, the AHEC provides these courses for their employess for free.

Great career choice.

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