moving from psych to medsurg-NERVOUS!!

[ladybuglouRN]

I have been working on an inpatient psych setting at a hospital and have been lucky enough to be offered a position on a medsurg floor. I jumped at the chance as I realize that I need this experience to do anything else. I have no acute care experience and am really looking forward to getting some. So my question is, what should I be studying up on? What are the most important things to know first being on the floor? I know a lot of it is repetition and learning on the job but I would like to feel somewhat prepared for what I am walking in on.. Any advice is greatly appreciated! I am really excited and can't wait to start!

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

Brush up on cardiac, especially if you do tele on your floor. Breath sounds, bowel sounds, some meds, ie...beta blockers, ACE, gut drugs, diuretics.

Systems, GI, Pulm, cardiac

Your polices on hanging blood, etc... There is probably more, but I'm drawing a blank.

Congrats and good luck!

[awheat]

Check orders off (including all meds on MAR) as soon as you get report and check your patients - administration will tell you it is the night nurse's responsibility and that you should get this info in report - but it is your responsibility to your patient and your license to do so, so do not let admin "talk" you into shortcuts.