New job on a neuro-tele unit

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Hi Everyone!

I'm an RN who graduated with my BSN last May. Since July, I've been working in an orthopedic office. In a few weeks I'm leaving there to start a full-time job on a neuro-telemetry unit (night shift). Does anyone have an advice on how to best make this transition to a much more acute setting and completely different shifts? I'm very excited and nervous. Has anyone worked on a neuro-tele unit? What is it like? When I mention it, most people say they've never heard of a unit that wasn't just neuro or just telemetry. Thanks so much for any advice!!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

never worked one, but it sounds like sick folks will be there. Be sure to ask about courses like dysrhythmia and ekg interpretation, etc. I think you have a great opportunity to really learn some neat stuff.

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I have my ACLS and after I start I have to get certified in the NIH stroke scale. I will likely do a dysrhythmia course on my own. Thanks for your input!

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I also graduated in May. Congratulations for your new job!!! I can understand how you are feeling because I also feel the same, since pretty soon I will start a night shift at a Cardiac unit and I have never work at night and my previous experience was in a surgeon office. One of my clinical rotations was in a Neuro-Tele unit. Patients over there were mostly patients who had strokes, spinal cord injuries, brain and spinal surgeries, brain injuries, neurological diseases (ALS, MG, GB, etc), even one time I had a patient who had a myringoplasty. All the patients where attached to cardiac monitors, so it is awesome you have your ACLS and NIH stroke scale. EKG interpretations will also be a good idea. Perhaps, you can review all your Ortho-Neuro and some Cardio notes so you can feel some how prepared for your first day. You definitely will learn a lot!!! How long is going to be your orientation? Hopefully you have a nice preceptor who you can bond with. Good luck!! you can do this!!! :)

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Thank you for your help and encouragement! Good luck at your new job too!

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Specializes in MedSurg, OR, Cardiac step down.

Q1-2hr neuro checks, hourly LP drains, etc...have fun with that. I would never work on a neuro floor. I know someone who does and this is what she tells me. She hates it.

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Extremely hardwork.... You will learn a lot and that's the only positive I can see out of the situation unless you have great coworkers too. The increase in pay wont even be appreciated if there is one bc you are going to be working hard....

I'm not trying scare you. I'm just being honest but every unit is slightly different & maybe management staffs appropriately.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

You can expect a lot of total care patients, plenty of folks who have multiple medical conditions needing carful monitoring. Some of your biggest challenges and rewards will come from helping your patients' families come to grips with what has happened. You will develop keen assessment skills.

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Thanks for your input everyone! I am very nervous but anxious to start. I've learned a lot at my present job, but I know it's time to get on a unit where I'll really be challenged. I feel very comfortable at my current job, but I want to learn/do a lot more than I am now. One of my best friends has been on the same unit for a few months now and said most days are good and the manager is great. I just can't wait to finally be in a hospital even though I know it will be tough.

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