Pooling to CCU any advice?

[AussieKylie]

Hi there

I was wondering any one can offer advice, tips in regards to nurses who get pooled/floated to CCU. It makes me weary and anxious when the idea of getting floated to critical care wards. I am happy to learn in different wards but when you feel comfortable in a particular ward that you get to know for so many months, that going to critical wards the stress levels are higher.

I await your reply;)

[hotomalis]

Hi GradRNKylie:

I remember feeling the same way before I floated to SICU. The care for CCU patients is no different than the ones you care for now. They might need you to be more keen to their ailments but that is it. If there is anything abnormal, report it. If there is anything you don't think should be, report it. Ask other nurses about procedures and to know where the meds and supplies are. Remember, you are there to help. The other nurses will apreciate you being there since you are there to ease their burden.

The hours will fly by. You'll see. Make sure you bring 2 hemostats, scissors, tape, stethoscope, a couple of pens, a penlight, and find out where the med book is. You are all set.

I know you will do well. If you are worried now, this only means you want to do good and you are going to.

[meandragonbrett]

You should refuse the assignment if you have not been oriented to the CCU. What we do when we have somebody floated to help us is......they don't get a patient assignment, but rather they just rescue and help everybody do whatever little things need to be done.