PLEASE! Advice for Newbie LPN in CARDIAC

Published

Specializes in Cardiac/Tele/Step-down.

I start the Cardiac Unit Monday. Did I just say Monday?!? OMG! I did I did. I'm sooo nervous. I bought a book to help me through things but I need advice on what things I should brush up on while I'm training the next 12 weeks. Like what meds,labs,and etc that I should know right off the bat. I'm going to read my book but I have to study for my NCLEX and plus I'm still in school part time. So that will take time. I just need to know maybe a quick run down of absolutes that I need to know. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac/Tele/Step-down.

Ok it Thursday and I start Monday and have only reveiwed a few meds. I need advice on what to cover before my first week. I can't remember everything I need to know in one week but I would like some advice on what to start with. Thanks!!!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in cardiac/critical care/ informatics.

Ok take a deep breath. There are giving you an orientation right? you don't have to learn everything before you start, you will learn as you go, they are too many meds to list but to get you started learn Beta-Blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, it is too early in the morning but that should get you started.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac/Tele/Step-down.

Thanks that helps out alot. If anyone else has suggestions please reply. THANKS!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, telemetry, LTAC.

So how are you enjoying cardiology so far?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac/Tele/Step-down.

I really like the Cardiac Unit, but I'm lost as a goose. There is so much to know and I really don't know where to start. I need to get a grip on labs,meds,procedures,patient teaching for post-op, and complications post-op. In school you learn a little about alot of things. Now its like I need to know alot about just cardiac! At least they give me 12 weeks of training and then if I'm still not ready they will continue to let me train with someone. Any advice you have I would love to have it. Thanks for asking about me!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiothoracics, VADs.

I'm not sure how acute your unit is, but you should have printed careplans/pathways for the most common procedures eg. valve repair/replacement, coronary grafts. These should be helpful in working out what complications you are meant to be looking out for.

It's mostly the basics you need to look for - vital signs, fluid management and electrolytes, wound care. The most common things you will see are arrhythmias, bleeding, wound complications, electrolye shifts and just regular heart failure complications. Reading up about heart failure management should give you a lot of tips on why these people have certain things wrong with them and what you can do about it.

Basically - relax and as someone said, learn as you go. It's a complicated specialty, and you will learn as you look after people. Once something happens, you will associate it with the operation and have a better handle on what goes with what. Good luck - enjoy!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion