New to Cardiothoracic ICU

[southeRNgirl185]

Hello all!

Just started my first nursing job in a Cardiothoracic Surgical ICU at a large teaching hospital, and can already tell it will be an extreme learning curve, but I am up for the challenge! I completed my final clinical at the same hospital's Cardiac ICU (no surgical patients, just Cath lab, MIs, etc) so I feel somewhat comfortable with drips, post-cath lab patients, etc. Even had the opportunity to work with IABPs, Swans, and participate in multiple codes.

My concern with this new job comes with learning all of the "stuff" involved with surgical patients - VADs, chest tubes, pacing wires, etc. Though I know most of it will come with experience and being exposed to the equipment, I was wondering if anyone has any book recommendations or resources that would be specific to cardiothoracic surgery?

Thank you in advance!

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Hello all!

Just started my first nursing job in a Cardiothoracic Surgical ICU at a large teaching hospital, and can already tell it will be an extreme learning curve, but I am up for the challenge! I completed my final clinical at the same hospital’s Cardiac ICU (no surgical patients, just Cath lab, MIs, etc) so I feel somewhat comfortable with drips, post-cath lab patients, etc. Even had the opportunity to work with IABPs, Swans, and participate in multiple codes.

My concern with this new job comes with learning all of the “stuff” involved with surgical patients – VADs, chest tubes, pacing wires, etc. Though I know most of it will come with experience and being exposed to the equipment, I was wondering if anyone has any book recommendations or resources that would be specific to cardiothoracic surgery?

Thank you in advance!

Regarding VADs, Google is your friend. Thoratec has several good videos on their site -- create a profile and sign in as a health care professional. HeartWare also had video and some pictures of placement. Your nurse educator probably has a ton of recommendations, and you'll cover it all in classes, too. There are some great books out there, but they're incredibly expensive, so I hesitate to recommend them. Try ICU Faqs -- some incredibly good material there.

Welcome to cardiac nursing!