New grad starting in CVICU soon! Any pointers?

Wana_Mama · Jul 9, 2014

I'm in Illinois! How about you?

I'm in Maryland.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jul 9, 2014

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Second, don't hesitate to ask any questions. There are no dumb questions and it's always better to ask than to guess. This will increase your confidence so that the next time you see it, you'll know the answer/what to do (besides, it's the best way to cover your own rear)
Good luck. It will be stressful at times, but you will get there.

Please hesitate to ask questions. Ask all the questions you NEED to, and we're all happy to answer them. But think first. No preceptor likes to answer "What's the number for the blood bank again?" multiple times a shift. Carry a notebook and write down the answer. That way you won't need to ask again.

Learn where to look up policies and procedures -- ours are conveniently located online. There's a difference between saying "Dr. Widner order an NG tube for Mrs. BarfsaLot. I've looked up the procedure and I've gathered all of the supplies listed, but I've never put it an NG tube, so could we go over this first?" and asking "So how do I put in an NG?"

Don'g ask the same question of the same person over and over if you're not understanding the answer. I had one orientee who could just not GET pacing thresholds. I explained it over and over. Finally I led her to another preceptor and asked HIM to explain it. He explained it just differently enough that my orientee caught on immediately. Am I a bad preceptor? Is he a better one? Is the orientee stupid? Of course not. Sometimes we just need to hear things explained in different words before we get it. The experience made me go over the pacer procedure over and over to figure out how to better explain it.

As a preceptor, if you're not learning something new with each new orientee, you're not doing it right.

Please do not ever guess. If you're not sure, ask. And don't ask another orientee or someone who just got off orientation. As a charge nurse, a preceptor or someone with a reputation as an excellent nurse. Two orientees hanging blood together is how Mrs. Green got Mr. White's blood . . . Just saying'.

Good luck. We're happy to have you in the ICU. We need the help!

thenightnurse456 · Jul 10, 2014

Thanks so much everyone for your input! I truly appreciate it! Next question is, what particular stethoscope do you recommend I get for this unit? I have the littman classic II that was given to me in nursing school but I'm wanting to get a new one because I want a pretty colored one! I was thinking the littman classic III, but didn't know if there was another particular one I should get for cardiology? (I.e. Littman master cardiology)?

Go the cardiology III in pretty pink or plum

-AO- · Jul 10, 2014

Please hesitate to ask questions. Ask all the questions you NEED to, and we're all happy to answer them. But think first. No preceptor likes to answer "What's the number for the blood bank again?" multiple times a shift. Carry a notebook and write down the answer. That way you won't need to ask again.
Learn where to look up policies and procedures -- ours are conveniently located online. There's a difference between saying "Dr. Widner order an NG tube for Mrs. BarfsaLot. I've looked up the procedure and I've gathered all of the supplies listed, but I've never put it an NG tube, so could we go over this first?" and asking "So how do I put in an NG?"
Don'g ask the same question of the same person over and over if you're not understanding the answer. I had one orientee who could just not GET pacing thresholds. I explained it over and over. Finally I led her to another preceptor and asked HIM to explain it. He explained it just differently enough that my orientee caught on immediately. Am I a bad preceptor? Is he a better one? Is the orientee stupid? Of course not. Sometimes we just need to hear things explained in different words before we get it. The experience made me go over the pacer procedure over and over to figure out how to better explain it.
As a preceptor, if you're not learning something new with each new orientee, you're not doing it right.
Please do not ever guess. If you're not sure, ask. And don't ask another orientee or someone who just got off orientation. As a charge nurse, a preceptor or someone with a reputation as an excellent nurse. Two orientees hanging blood together is how Mrs. Green got Mr. White's blood . . . Just saying'.
Good luck. We're happy to have you in the ICU. We need the help!

Ruby, I agree with what you are saying here ... of course she shouldn't ask the same question repeatedly expecting a different result, and of course it's important to put in the effort and at least try to find the information you're seeking before asking. I just figured that all went without saying

My advice was primarily to encourage Jess not to shy away from asking questions, period.

Thanks so much everyone for your input! I truly appreciate it! Next question is, what particular stethoscope do you recommend I get for this unit? I have the littman classic II that was given to me in nursing school but I'm wanting to get a new one because I want a pretty colored one! I was thinking the littman classic III, but didn't know if there was another particular one I should get for cardiology? (I.e. Littman master cardiology)?

I guess this all depends on how much you're looking to spend. I kept my Littman II from school and was very happy with it ... up until it disappeared :/ I guess the most important thing is to put your name/info on it :facepalm: . I also see many nurses use the cheapo-throwaways already in the room. While these are not ideal (been using one for a couple months now until I decide if I'll buy another), they often are enough to get by imo. Reading Amazon reviews will probably give some good insight as well here.