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!

[surgPCUrn]

I hope someone can reply to this because I am in the exact same boat! I start on 2/17 and I feel overwhelmed already. I could use some advice too!

[AvaRN_ICU, BSN]

This reply is a little late but...

As a new grad that is finishing up my first year on a cardiac floor I can tell you what I felt like I needed to study.

1. Most obviously cardiac rhythms and interventions for each one
2. Cardiac drugs, especially cardiac drips (cardizem, amio, nitro, heparin)
3. I needed to really review all the pathophysiology of cardiac issues in depth. Review conditions such as CHF, endocarditis, heart valve dysfunction, MI, etc. Review causes, signs and symptoms, interventions, medications and treatments for each. Many patients will ask you questions about their conditions and there’s nothing worse than feeling like you do not have an appropriate answer haha
4. We get a lot of cath lab patients on our floor and I didn’t learn much about this in school so this would be another good thing to review

I hope you are having a good experience so far!! Good Luck!!