New Nurse working in PCU - Step down unit

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I just graduated in May from a 4 year BSN program. I have 1 year experience working as a nurses aide while in school, and I felt as though the nursing program I was in gave me a good amount of clinical experience, we even got ACLS certified. but, being out of the classroom for a few months now I feel like I forgot everything! I was one of those students were everything came easy to me, and I barely studied. I passed the NCLEX in 75 questions, and my program had a 100% pass rate.. so I should know enough to start out, right?

I start work the first week of September in a step down unit that sees a lot of stroke patients and complex GI and abdominal surgeries. All of the patients are monitored and I will have a week long EKG class before being on the unit.

Does anyone have any tips for me for how I can prepare for this job in the next couple weeks? I will have 8 weeks of orientation once the job starts. I know I will learn what I need to know in that time and I will always be able to ask for help when I need it, but is there anything you recommend I do before the first day?

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Specializes in Hospice.

I promise you won't learn everything you need in just 8 weeks, and you will not feel comfortable for almost a year. Youtube has some really great sites for cardiac rhythms.

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Specializes in Public Health, TB.

Keep current on your meds, including antiarrhythmics and antibiotics. Many older post op patients go into atrial fibrillation due to heightened levels of catecholamines. I would also stay current on wound healing, nutrition and coagulation. You will most likely be doing a lot of mobilization, so make sure your core is strong. If you are going to be doing nights, prepare your sleeping space with room darkening shades, and perhaps something for white noise.

And take a little vacay if you can, because the next one may be a long time coming.

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