Transition to CCU

[goober_monger86]

Hey all. I'm sure this has probably been coverd a bazillion and one times already but I didn't see it so I'll just ask it: I recently started my new job in a cardiac stepdown unit and have been looking into future career options 2+ years down the road as I'm working on getting my BSN. Well, I was just curious to know what might be some of the major differences between working a cardiac stepdown unit vs. CCU. I'm just wondering since I'm already learning cardiac nursing with these patients how much of this experience would lead to an easier transition into the CCU and what other tasks/treatments/etc. are done in the CCU that aren't done in the stepdown unit? I figure cardiac - to - cardiac unit might be the logical path. Any suggestions/opinions/advice/clarifications?? :)

[safn]

The biggest difference between the two units is the level of monitoring. The CVICU has much more extensive monitoring. You have to familiarize yourself with PA, CVP, and arterial lines. You will also monitor patients on the balloon pump. I would begin to get a grasp of all the different lines you will come across and understand exactly how they work as well as what they measure. You will also need to know the various drips patients will have in the CVICU. If you want to get a heads start, look up vasoactive drips and understand exactly what they do. Questions that you need to ask yourself are: does this drug increase or decrease BP, what is the half life of this drug, when should I increase the rate of the drip so as to avoid dose stacking, does the drug affect veins, arteries, or both, is this drug used for ventricular or atrial arrythmias. There are a few more questions you will need to ask yourself. I am sure you get the picture. I can fill you in more if you are interested.

[missnurse01, MSN, RN]

do you have ccu or cvicu where you work? go shadow.

if your pts tranferred from ccu you have a wealth of info at your finger tips-review the chart in depth. Why did they come in, why did they go to ccu, what meds/drips were they on, what kind of assessments and how often were the nurses doing, etc etc

you could also take a cv nursing educational review class, as well as buy a critical care book and read up.

good luck

!