Med surg to CVICU

[TheDreamJourney]

Hello, I have been a medical surgical nurse for 3 years now. I work in an Oncology/medical surgical unit. However, my floor is mainly medical surgical. I have experience with various patients and we even get remote tele patients on our floor. Lately, I have been thinking about transferring to a speciality. I like women's health/OB and was thinking about going this route. However, I had a minor injury at work and had to be taken off my current floor. I have been placed to help/observe on the CVICU unit until further notice. I had the opportunity to shadow a nurse. To my surprise I actually enjoy the unit a lot. Most of the medications, policy, and documentation I am very familiar with. The nurse was also very surprised at how much I know as a medical surgical nurse. The only thing I do not know is the drips and EKG reading. I was also told that I would have to be ACLS certified which I would have to renew. My question is can a medical surgical nurse have a good transition into a CVICU department? What would be my struggles as a med surg nurse and what would be my strengths. Thank you so much. Any feedback is appreciated.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Hello, I have been a medical surgical nurse for 3 years now. I work in an Oncology/medical surgical unit. However, my floor is mainly medical surgical. I have experience with various patients and we even get remote tele patients on our floor. Lately, I have been thinking about transferring to a speciality. I like women's health/OB and was thinking about going this route. However, I had a minor injury at work and had to be taken off my current floor. I have been placed to help/observe on the CVICU unit until further notice. I had the opportunity to shadow a nurse. To my surprise I actually enjoy the unit a lot. Most of the medications, policy, and documentation I am very familiar with. The nurse was also very surprised at how much I know as a medical surgical nurse. The only thing I do not know is the drips and EKG reading. I was also told that I would have to be ACLS certified which I would have to renew. My question is can a medical surgical nurse have a good transition into a CVICU department? What would be my struggles as a med surg nurse and what would be my strengths. Thank you so much. Any feedback is appreciated.

I've precepted many Med/Surg nurses who had a smooth transition into CVICU. You've already identified some of the learning you'll have to do to be successful in CVICU, but I'm thinking you'll also have to learn hemodynamic monitoring and some policies and protocols that pertain to CVICU. It's very interesting, challenging work. Go for it!

[TheDreamJourney]

Thank you so much for your feedback :)