New Cardiac Nurse

Specialties Cardiac

Published

Specializes in Med Surg Tele.

Hey everyone!

So I have worked full time as an RN on a med surg tele unit for 6 months. I also used to be a monitor tech for 1.5 years so I'm pretty good at reading heart monitors. I just took a job offer (part time) on a cardiac step down ICU. Any reading suggestions? I want to prepare as much as possible. I really love cardiac nursing. It is so interesting to me. I can't wait to learn the cardiac drips and how to pull sheaths. So exciting!

=)

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Specializes in Cath Lab & Interventional Radiology.

I had to LOL a little at your post, because pulling sheaths is my LEAST favorite part of working in progressive care! I think it is good to get more familiar with all the different procedures, and definitely the anat/phys of the heart. I found it helpful to read through the procedural order sets ie post angiogram and open-heart surgery. (If your facility does open hearts). Also it is helpful to get familiar with the protocols for the drips that your unit uses. I would also become familiar with the heart failure/ cardiac teaching materials that you will be using. I did buy cardiac nursing made incredibly visual when I first started, and I found it pretty helpful. Good luck!!

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Specializes in cath lab.

Pulling sheaths isn't exactly fun. You're basically just standing there for 15-30min holding pressure. In the beginning, you get so nervous that you use too much pressure and your fingers get painfully numb. Eventually, you'll get good enough to do it with just your thumb and two fingers.

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Specializes in Med Surg Tele.

Awesome! I was kinda thinking of buying that book as well but I wasn't sure how good it was. Thanks!! :)

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Specializes in Med Surg Tele.

Is it true that you should have atropine ready while pulling sheaths in case your patient vasovagals?

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Specializes in cath lab.

If we pull in the lab they're still hooked up to monitor so that & observing the patient lets you know if they vagal. Keep an atropine with you when you pull. Morton Kern is a big cardiologist in San Diego. His books are popular. Signup at cathlabdigest.com. You get their free magazine mailed to you monthly.

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I am a New Cardiac Telemetry Nurse as well. I just passed the Nclex. I think this is going to be a good place for me to start. Where can you get that Cardiac Nursing Book for Dummies. LOL. Well, any advice for a brand new nurse. I'm nervous.

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I will definitely be checking into cathlabdigest.com!! I am a new RN as of January and just finished my orientation on a PCU floor. Like lildeebone I am a little nervous but am super excited to learn and expand my knowledge base. Kaylee that is excellent advice on reading over the teaching information for the main procedures that your floor handles. I have not had the chance to really look over that information but maybe bringing a copy of the patient teaching packet might be good day off reading.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I am a new cardiac nurse as well! I graduated RN school in December & started on a cardiac step down 6 weeks ago. Thursday is actually my last day of orientation before I go to night shift! I bought the book Cardiovascular Nursing Secrets by Leslie Davis & it has been super helpful! It breaks procedures, meds & drips, and cardio disease.. and tells what you should be doing/looking for as the nurse! I recommend it!! It has helped me so much!!

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Specializes in Stepdown . Telemetry.

Just a comment on the sheath pulling...I am a nine-month old nurse on tele and have only seen one sheath pulling (was still on preceptorship at the time). Most are taken care of in the cath lab...also seeing more and more radial access, which is much less stress for the nurse to manage as well as the for the patient....

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