I love working at a progressive care unit! It depends on the type of patients you will have. But as a general rule, know acls, what to do when a pt goes into a-fib / a-flutter, or if they develop respiratory issues. My patients can become unstable very quickly. On my unit we have mostly cardiothoracic patients (cabg, valve repair/replacement, lobectomy, esophagectomy). You have to know how to manage chest tubes, PCAs, epidurals, ventilators, and several drips. Sometimes you have a very unstable patient, no availabe room for them on the ICU, and you still have 2 other patients. It can be stressful at times but lots of learning opportunities.
Thank you both for that information!
my pre-employment physical and examinations are completed successfully. I am sad to leave my current coworkers, but definitely ready to try something new. I've been trying to brush up on different cardiac conditions/procedures/meds just so I fee more comfortable. They're giving me a 3 month orientation with 2 months on day shift and one month on night shift. I will be starting on the night shift and hopefully getting a transfer on to days as soon as it is available. My first day is in two weeks. :)
That is music to my ears!
Having had only subacute experience, I felt so unprepared and actually doubted myself for ever being ready for this. Cardiac was never my strongest point or weakest, but easily one of the areas of nursing that I was intrigued by so I feel blessed.
All of your kind words are easing my nerves more than you'd believe, so I thank you!
nursearia
2 Posts
Hi all!
I've recently been hired on a PCU/tele unit after two years in the sub-acute setting. I am SO excited for this opportunity and equally nervous! I have to take a test prior to starting.. are there certain things I should brush up on? Does anyone have any resources or advice that may be helpful?
Thanks in advance!