Published Jul 16, 2010
KaitRN
52 Posts
Hi all! For the past year I've been working as an RN (new grad) in LTC/ SNF... Recently I was offered a job at a local community hospital on a cardiac/ tele critical care unit. I'm so excited, I feel like I will learn so much. The orientation is great, with 12 weeks of critical care, resp, pacemaker, and echo classes, and then getting precepted on the unit... However, I'm nervous!!! Cardiac wasn't my strong point so does anyone have suggestions on how to prepare? I know I'll be taking classes before being thrown on the unit, but I like to be prepared before hand. I've already opened on of the EKG books from school again and have been catching up on reading... Anything I should know/ study/ be prepared for? Any suggestions are welcome! Thanks!
Sun0408, ASN, RN
1,761 Posts
Brush up on your cardiac meds.. Know which ones affect BP and HR and which ones only affect BP etc...You can also brush up on interventions for popular cardiac issues so when they do happen, you will be prepared or at least have a heads up..
April, RN, BSN, RN
1,008 Posts
CCRN study guides can be good for short, to the point critical care refreshers.
netglow, ASN, RN
4,412 Posts
Do you have an iTouch? Get Instant ECG... it's great for knowing your rhythms, etc. You review for a few minutes anywhere.
I also like ACLS Review Made Incredibly Easy it has lots of review included.
kaliRN
149 Posts
Just wanted to say congratulations on this wonderful opportunity. It's refreshing to hear.
Thank you guys!!!! I just downloaded the instant ecg app. thank you for the suggestions everyone! I have a lot of work to do lol!!