Nurse Extern Role in the CCU

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Hi everyone!

I have a few questions on CCU life. I have been offered the opportunity of a lifetime (for me, at least!) by a huge hospital in my area. Since starting my medical career as both a tech and now as a nursing student, I have wanted to be a CCU/ICU nurse. And in nursing school, although you get to "hang out" in ICU for 2 rotations, you really dont get much of a learning experience while there. You kind of just sit around praying for a nurse to let you help do something.

I applied for a Nurse Extern position in a hospital that is offering rotations in PACU, Peds and Psych. When meeting with the nurse recruiter, we spoke about my past experiences (I worked 2 years in an invasive cardiac CT lab, its a way of doing cardiac cath without the surgery), my certifications (I am ACLS certified and a Phlebotomist/EKG tech) and my overall desire to work in that kind of environment. Well, they offered me a spot in the CCU/ICU. Which I am TOTALLY psyched for.

My question now is this... what should I be armed with when beginning? I am pretty good with cardio patho and physiology and very good with rhythm interpretation. Should I bone up on cardiac meds, drips and what not? What do you think they will let me do while being in there? I will be working 3 12.5-hour shifts so I will be there for some time. Should I not be afraid to offer my services? Do any of you have some pointers for me on how to get the most out of this experience?

I thank you all so much for any info you can offer me.

A very happy nursing student,

Allison :)

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/MICU/SICU/CTICU.

Congrats!

Jump in on anything that you can. Let everyone know that you are willing to help them with things. That you are there to learn.

I would look over cardiac drugs, that way when you get there and see them used you will understand why. If you have a good grasp of the cardio physiology already, it will make the meds easier to understand. Ask tons of questions. Look for things to do. This is your chance to learn and to make the most out of it.

Congrats and good luck!!

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Thank you so much Cardio... I went for my unit interview with the nurse manager the other day and I am so excited I cant stand it.

I am not afraid to jump in but I feel that I may be completely out of place when the sh*t hits the fan, so to speak. I am ACLS certified (which was a big reason I landed the CCU gig) but I have never run a code before and I doubt they would even let me take part in one, but I feel like I need to cross over once I see my first code in real life. After just reading your post on your horrible day, I am actually terrified. lol

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/MICU/SICU/CTICU.
Thank you so much Cardio... I went for my unit interview with the nurse manager the other day and I am so excited I cant stand it.

I am not afraid to jump in but I feel that I may be completely out of place when the sh*t hits the fan, so to speak. I am ACLS certified (which was a big reason I landed the CCU gig) but I have never run a code before and I doubt they would even let me take part in one, but I feel like I need to cross over once I see my first code in real life. After just reading your post on your horrible day, I am actually terrified. lol

LOL, You cant be scared! lol. Seriously, those day are few and far between. My advice if you have never seen a code before, if its not on your unit, but your unit responds to it, go with the nurse, even if you dont do anything but watch. Plant yourself in the corner (out of the way) and watch. That way you can see what goes on.

If the code happens on your unit, watch the first time, or be the "runner", getting supplies, equipment etc. Then move into something you are comfortable doing, placing the defib pads, etc. Then do the code sheet. and move on from there. The one thing about a code, is that you are never alone. When one of our patients start going bad, we all help each other. Just dont be afraid to ask for help. Whenever you have questions, ask. There is no stupid question, except for the one NOT asked.

Like I said before, you make the most out of this position. Learn all you can from whoever you can. It doesnt have to be your preceptor. It can be from any of the nurses on your unit. You just have to be willing to seek out the opportunity.

I have been a nurse many years and I learn new things everyday. In my previous job, I had gotten to where I didnt want to even be a nurse anymore. CCU changed that. I havent been this happy in a job in years. I love going to work and I love what I do. Yes there are bad days, but even with those, I still know that I did the best I could for the patient and the family.

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