New appreciation for those working in PCU/other cardiac units

[nursesaideBen]

Hi all, I'm not a nurse just a CNA but last night I was pulled from the Medical unit to PCU for the first time. I have to say, it was a very interesting experience. I don't think I stopped running for one second! I didn't even get finished with my accuchecks unitl 2330 (we start at 2030)! I felt so awful but the charge nurse was very nice and said it wasn't a problem that she new I had been running my butt off and that everyone was really behind tonight. We had a full unit, no empty beds anywhere and several of my patients were deteriorating as the night went on. It was pretty exciting but hated the feeling that no matter how hard I tried I couldn't get caught up. Thank god we have nurses/aides that work in that setting every day/night and get the job done!

[Slobgob]

Thanks for your kind words towards us Tele nurses/staff.

But... don't feel too bad about your performance. Afterall, you were on an unfamiliar floor with different protocols, work flow, and priorities. If you spent a month here, you might not notice the difference so much... it would be the norm. =)

I'm a new nurse... and my only experience is my Tele/Step-Down/Burn unit on Days... its all I know... so its the norm. I do scurry alot, but it helps burn off that big lunch I ate.

Its all about perspective.