Post-Open Heart Surgery Job

[Cleveland-RN]

I currently work at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation in CardioThoracic ICU recovering fresh open-heart surgery patients. I moved here from out-of-state b/c of the facilities reputation and generally love my job. However, after a pt recovers from the initial procedure, if there are complications then they stay right in the unit. This I do not like b/c it feels like I'm doing rehab nursing or long-term care which is not really my forte or desire.

I'm looking for a job that requires post-surgical recovery of open-heart patients that only entails the initial post-op period (like a PACU). I have heard that some hospitals operate this way and am looking for a job like this. Anyone know of any great hospitals that handle their heart procedures like this? There are no geographical requirements as I'm willing to move anywhere for the right job/facility.

[maddy3030]

hi i work in plymouth at derriford, we fast track our pts and nine times outta ten they are extubated and on chdu within 24 hours. apart from the odd few. my unit has an extremly fast turn over six cases a day or more sometimes is this what you are looking for?

[AfloydRN, BSN, RN]

Our open hearts are recovered in CCU. They never even see PACU. We also recover fem-pops and some carotids depending on their complexity.

[cardsRN]

i hear you cleveland- we have the same situation. very complex pts that end up as chronics. no one wants to take care of the confused climbing OOB trached pegged train wreck with the psycho family for the 4th shift in a row (don't flame me, you know it's true). CV recovery sounds like a dream job! maybe when i'm a few years into this unit i'll join you in naples... mmm beaches...

[AfloydRN, BSN, RN]

Our post hearts too go directly from OR to CCU to be recovered there. I do not know of any programs that recover patients in PACU. I think it probably was done before but now that we know better it's done right in the unit.