Step down unit

[MissNurs2016]

Hi! Just got my first job as an RN at a Step Down unit (primarily strokes and cardiac) at a hospital in a bigger city. Anyone who can tell me bit about how I should prepare for this job. I got about 1 month until I start orientation. Thanks.

[NurseMegP, BSN, RN]

First, congratulations on your new job! I am sure since you said it is a bigger hospital they will have a great orientation already set up for you so that you won't have to prepare beforehand too much. However, if you're getting bored or anxious, I would suggest looking over some things such as telemetry strips, there is a website called skill stat that has cardiac rhythm strips you can review. I would also continue to review lab values and what that means for the patient. Potassium that is too low or too high: what does this mean for your cardiac patient? What are the steps to correct low or high potassium? Etc.

These will help you when you get into your job, but you will do most of your learning while on the floor!

Best of luck to you :)

[TIB217]

I think becoming familiar with acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, stroke - TIA topics will be helpfu. Know the causes, risk factors, treatments, because they will all be part of the core measures of care. You'll probably also come up against atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure a lot. Like NurseMeg said, your EKG strips also will be helpful. Learn a little - use it a lot! It takes a good 8 months to really feel familiar and to get your feet under you. It'll be worth the whole journey though!