New RN on Cardiac floor

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Oct 11, 2017

Good day:

I work rotating day/evening shifts on a busy cardiac telemetry unit. Here are some of my recommendations:

1) Ask your nurse educator (first choice) or unit manager or preceptor if they can provide you with a list of common medications for the floor; then read up on them regarding contraindications, when you might hold the medication or otherwise question the provider, side effects, etc.

2) Get a head start on learning how to read EKG strips if you are rusty.

3) Ask your coworkers for blank copies of their "brain sheets" when you are in orientation. Adapt one to work the way you think things should flow.

4) Ask the rules for when to clock in/clock out, and during orientation, if there's a trend of people coming in early to look up their patients... consider doing so for a time.

Thank you.

dontbetachy90, BSN, RN · Jan 9, 2018

Congrats! Cardiac/telemetry will give you an AWESOME skill set that you can take with you anywhere you go.

Similar to above...

- Become familiar with common cardiac medications; their uses, adverse reactions, parameters for HR/BP, and when to consider holding medication based on vitals or upcoming procedures. Anti-arrhythmics, beta blockers, vasodilators, antiplatelets, anticoagulants, etc. No caffeine prior to stress, no subcutaneous anticoagulants morning of cardiac cath.

- Research the terminology for conditions, treatments, POC, procedures. Understand the potential complications and what to monitor for.

- If you are using IV diuretics, always always always stay on top of electrolytes. If your facility uses sliding scale replacement protocols, always think to ask for this order; will save you many phone calls and critical lab values.

- Practice EKG interpretation!

- Review ACLS and "code blue" or "stroke alert" policy/procedure, if you don't have experience with this.

- ALWAYS ask questions!!

Best of luck!

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