New Grad on Tele Progressive

[KBRN15]

Hi all! I will be graduating in May and I've accepted a position already on a 32-bed Telemetry Progressive unit! I am super excited to start this journey, but of course very very nervous.

Any advice for a new grad working on a Progressive Cardiac floor?

Thanks! :)

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

As a new grad, it is normal to be nervous AND to be honest guaranteed you WILL make mistakes! Just know that going in. But that is part of being a new nurse, and I would actually worry if you did not make any mistakes.

There is a LOT about nursing that you do not know and will have to learn, and it will take at least 2 years before you even begin to feel comfortable about what you are doing. I am now about 3 years in and I am telling you this from my recent experience. Hopefully you will have an awesome preceptor and a great support system on your unit. With that and your enthusiasm to learn and asking questions (always ask!) ... you will be just fine!

Reading some books wont hurt either. Cardiovascular Care Made Incredibly Easy is a good one to have for some basics!

[dos27]

A cardiac progessive care floor could mean a variety of things (surgical vs. non-surgical, for example) but in general, it wouldn't hurt to start studying cardiac rhythms now. Your hospital should give you training on this, but learning on your own will make it easier. Also brush up on chest tube care and what to look for in these types of patients. Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's ALWAYS better to ask than to assume and risk making a mistake. Also, don't be afraid to speak up if you and your preceptor are not a good match. That happens sometimes.

[Janielange1]

I graduated in June 2014 and I am still struggling to find a job! I am really concerned that not only am I losing my skills, but I'm forgetting meds/patho!! Any suggestions on how to stay fresh?

[VANurse2010]

I graduated in June 2014 and I am still struggling to find a job! I am really concerned that not only am I losing my skills, but I'm forgetting meds/patho!! Any suggestions on how to stay fresh?

I wouldn't worry about "losing" skills. As a new grad, you really have no skills to lose.

[brentisbored]

Generally, tele-PCU floors encompass post-MI patient's with PCI's/Stents, heart failure patients, those requiring high-flow o2 needs, general low-cardiac states, and some post-surgical patients. You will most likely also encounter at the PCU level, patients requiring inotropic support (non-titrated, at least in most facilites). I would recommend learning your EKG rhythms, ACLS algorithms, studying up various types of shocks including signs and symptoms of each, and basic pharmacology of cardiac/inotropes including dopamine, dobutamine, natrecor, milrinone, amiodarone, metoprolol, diltiazem, etc.