New Grad Tele Nurse

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 26, 2015

Do a quick search of this site and you'll find lots of answers.

thenightnurse456 · Jan 26, 2015

There are heaps of threads about new grad tele nurses but I'll play:

1. Be a sponge in your orientation and preceptorship. Ask tonnes of questions and make sure during this time you act as "the nurse" not "the student" who is following the nurse.

2. If your facility doesn't provide it, do an EKG and ACLS course.

3. Find out the most common types of patients your unit sees, go home and study these. Yes, homework after you graduate!

4. Review your cardiac anatomy and physiology.

5. Be organised! Get to work 10 minutes early. Look up labs. Check your monitors. Check charts. That way when you receive report you'll already have built a small picture of your patients, their acuity and how your shift will be planned out.

6. Make a brain sheet specific to your unit and your needs (a quick search on this forum). This will help you plan your day and help you in report.

7. If your unit utilises CNA/techs, work WITH them. Don't be the new grad RN who is above "aid work". Work as a team and your shift will run much smoother.

8. Invest in a good pair of running shoes as you will me RUNNING in a tele unit. Also a good stethoscope, 4 in 1 pen and sharpie.

9. Don't compare yourself to experienced nurses. They are experienced, you are not. They are going to be faster and more competent.

10. Realise that this will be a tough few months, but every new grad experiences the stress/anxiety of working. Push through and you'll be fine.

All the best.

toussaint03 · Jan 26, 2015

Thank you for the much needed advice! Really appreciate it :)

OhMyNurse · Feb 1, 2015

I am a new grad on a cardiac tele unit and I have been orientation for about a month now. Here are some tips for you:

1. As other posters have said, soak up as much information as you can. It can be overwhelming, believe me!

2. DON'T be afraid of asking questions. I always ask questions before giving a med if I am unsure about (if information is unclear on our medicine resource guide) or post-procedure care I never have encountered before.

3. Get a feel for your units routine. What time do patients usually go down for tests and procedures? How long do they usually take? What time are meals served (for the patients that need insulin)?

4. Make sure you at least see your patient before they leave for a test and do a quick assessment. Let the patient know who you are and see your face and tell them you will be there when they get back. Also, ask if they are having any pain or is there anyway to make them more comfortable.

5. Ask about post-procedure care especially if your floor takes post-cath patients or post pacemaker insertion patients. For example: on my floor, post- cardiac cath patients have assessments and vital sign checks q15 minutes x4, q30 minutes x4, and q1 hour x4. You will be spending a ton of time with these patients so try to plan accordingly. Also, educate the patient as to what post-procedure care will be like and most importantly what symptoms to report.

6. Know who your contacts and resource people are. Know what service the patient is under and who to contact for that patient (such as beeper numbers). Know your chain of command for nursing and physicians.

7. When it feels like it's getting tough, take a deep breath and ask for help. Look for your senior nurses, they are full of knowledge and wisdom.

8. EAT!

Best of luck to you! Have faith in yourself! You will do awesome!