CVSU

This is happening right now. As of this year, almost all of the local hospital groups accept AGPCNP's at a minimum and only AGACNP's for ICU.

I used Laura G's video's. I had a copy made, I don't know that I would be as quick to pay full pop. They were somewhat helpful but dated. There was just way more going on with the new version of the test. The main thing I did was the test bank, not the book, from Pass CCRN. The lectures on the AACN website were actually really good too. Again, I used a friends login for help on a couple of topics. If I could go back I would have paid for the AACN test prep, if nothing else, because you get a bunch of contact hours.

The new normal is shorter orientations, with orientation continuing of sorts after you're out on your own by slowly ramping up acuity. Are you taking stable pts or will you be required to stabilize fresh open hearts/interpret PA catheters on your own right away?

Go ask. Managers like nurses who are excited about what they do. State your case and find out what you have to do and do it.... though there really isn't anything. It's the gesture that counts. I was offered CVSU and CICU positions as a new grad, but I checked back with them often. By the time application decisions were being made, they knew my name.

10 mEq/50 mL bags for peripherals and 20's for central lines, run over an hour, run a 30mL NS flush behind it. I've given a thousand bags of these and I've never had an issue with peripheral burning. I don't know what they are talking about with the two pump thing...

I know several NP's that are in cardiology. I am unaware of any special training, though I'd say most were cardiac nurses prior. After graduation I may try to stay on with my Cardiothoracic Surgical team. Honestly, the reason that you don't see more has nothing to do with ability or preference. My team has been shopping for one for years. The problem is that you can be a hospitalist or family practice NP for better money, with a better schedule, less responsibility, all without getting reamed by Cardiologists. Most of the ones in my hospital over the years have left Cards for general medicine. Unless you love the heart, there are just better 9-5's out there.