SNF to Telemtry

[strawberryfields]

I am so thrilled; yet super nervous to take on the new job! Does any one have any experience transitioning from SNF to acute care ? I'm going to be starting in the NOC shift. I think I'm most nervous about starting IVs in afraid of completely failing at it (we don't start many iv's at s SNF) or drawing blood (we have lab techs that do that) or hanging blood (we don't do that).

Any pointers? Experience doing this transition? Advice ? Will NOC shift allow me to get comfortable?

[kiszi, RN]

I went from SNF and home health to ICU, and it's been an interesting road to say the least. I was comfortable with IV starts going in, but there were tons of skills I wasn't familiar with. My suggestion is to take full advantage of your time with a preceptor to do all you can. Offer to start IVs for your colleagues, look for opportunities to help with new procedures, etc.

You won't be expected to be proficient in skills you haven't done since nursing school, such as hanging blood. Besides, every facility has their own IV pumps, tubing, and whatnot so even more experienced nurses will have a learning curve.

As you go through orientation, note things you want to study up on, i.e. cardiac meds or interpreting tele strips. Look for resources in your facility or online.

You will do great! Good luck!

[strawberryfields]

Thank you for the input! I have all my old fluid and electrolytes made easy, cardio nursing, EKG interpretation books from nursing school and i have been taking them along with me :) Nice to hear that someone else went through the same transition !