Newbie Cardiac Nurse

[PeeWeeQ, ADN, RN, EMT-B]

Hello Everyone,

I'm a brand new RN, just graduated in December. I start basic orientation next week and start orienting on the floor with my preceptor for 90 days on the following week. I'm in my early 40s, have been an EMT-B for many years, an Infantry Medic, and an ER Technician.

I'm excited and I'm also a little nervous. What are some of the things you wish you had brushed up on before starting as a new nurse? I know I just finished school, but, in a two-year ADN program, you get crammed with so much knowledge in such a short period, you start to realize you have all of this knowledge, passed the NCLEX, and yet, feel just a bit inadequate--maybe more than just a bit. That is, particularly having worked around RNs for some time in the ER, I've had time to realize how much I DON'T know and how hard it can be sometimes to exercise your ability to recall info when you need it.

Thanks everyone!

[CCU BSN RN]

Brush up on your sleep. You've been studying for years, and you're about to start ascending your next steep learning curve. Best thing you can do is bring a rested mind and body and that eagerness to learn

[ptier_MNMurse, BSN, RN]

Agreed, you will learn everything you need to know on orientation. Don’t stress over what to brush up on. Your preceptors will help you on your way and work to meet you where you are at and go from there! Just be open to learning and you will be fine! You already seem to have that mentality, keep it up! Get sleep at night because learning all day is exhausting, come in with a fresh mind and do it again!

[AvaRN_ICU, BSN]

I agree with the first posts saying you definitely don’t HAVE to.
Buuut if you wanted to, I would say just cardiac related things

-cardiac drips such as: heparin, cardizem, amiodarone, integrilin, nitro, etc.

-some basic anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system 

-brush up on common cardiac diagnosis’s like CHF. just the basics so that you are able to answer questions and educate patients

-common cardiac meds so you know why you are giving them- beta blockers, antiplatelets, anticoagulants, digoxin, flecanide, etc.

But again, you really don’t have to! As a new grad you are not expected to know everything just be willing to learn and ask questions! 

Good luck. I started on a cardiac floor and  it taught me so much! 

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

Learn your rhythms and what meds are usually used for what ones. Also Stemis, NStemis, afib, chf, all your blocks. etc. Those you will see the most.