Three More Weeks!

[HillNPStudent]

Ok, well, I've been orienting in CCU for six weeks now; I have three more weeks to go and then I'm off on my own! It has been the best orientation I have ever received as a nurse; I've been out of nursing school since 2004 and will have gotten a full nine weeks of orientation.

Is is normal for someone new to the CCU to be a little nervous about going on my own? Although I do have nursing experience and am not a new grad, I still feel at times as though I don't know a thing. I know technically I will have help available through other nurses at all times; but I guess I still have a case of the jitters, those what-if this happens thoughts. I just want to be the best nurse I can be in this unit.

On another note, I just purchased a resource book from kathywhite.com, which is AWESOME. Has anyone else used it? It is specific for critical care, and divided up by systems, giving info on assessment, interventions, procedures, drip mixtures and concentrations, and you can even purchase additional inserts for things such as trauma and IABP. Wonderful! And well-worth the money IMO, it is sort of pricey.

[bemory]

Lovern

I was reading your blog and it is extremely similar to my own story. I worked as an EKG tech/CNA on the cardiac floor for 3 years while attending nursing school. Then worked as a RN there for 2 years before getting a position in CCU. The first thing my preceptor told me is that we eat our young here. I was also told that I wasn't cut out to be a unit nurse. I never worked with vents, ETT, most of the medicines, Swans, IABPs, arctic sun. I never even knew how to draw labs off of central lines. I was a wreck when it came to priorities, and time management. I dont show my stress in my behavior but sure get nervous when someone is looking over my shoulder. So I get the longest orientation probably anyone has ever had and yet here I am ready to become a CCU nurse. And the support has been tremendous since I started to show myself and make judgement calls. I have shocked, given epi, cardioverted, set up central lines, been at the bedside anticipating doctors commands, and been with families whose loved ones were extubated and passed. Its amazing but you'll make it. I promise you. I oriented with an older Rn and I understand the importance of bathing, linen changes, turning, elevating extremities, changing lines, oral care, infection sources, etc. Simple things that I knew from CNA work as being tedious but they are so much more important then charting.

If there is any advice I can give- your there for patient care and not to join a social club. There is a lot of negativity and back stabbing. As long as you turn a deaf ear to that, the more respect people have for you. I really think you will be great. Good luck;)

[CardioTrans, BSN, RN]

Im glad to see that you are excited about coming off of orientation. If I remember correctly, you were doubting your decision about going to CCU.

Yes, it is completely normal for you to be nervous. If you werent nervous, Id be worried. The Kathy White book is awesome. If you have a PDA, also look at Pepid or Epocrates. They are also great resources for critical care.

Learn something new everyday, dont be afraid to ask questions, or offer to do things you have never done. This is your opportunity and to make it a great one.

Good luck to you!!!!