What should I expect in a step-down unit?

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Specializes in Cardiac Tele, MICU RN.

Hi, I graduate in May and I just recently accepted a position on a cardiac step-down unit at a large facility. I have almost a year experience on a med-surg floor as an extern and I have been pulled to a step-down floor to work on, so I pretty much have my own ideas of what to expect. But I would really like to hear from someone who actually works on a step-down unit to give me an idea picture of what really goes on.

Also, is 5-6 patients on the midnight shift normal for a step-down unit?

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Step down floors are busy units! Good luck.

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It's busy, very busy. It also varies with the shift you work. Some times are worse than others.

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so, what system did you decide to work for? I am in Mi too.

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Specializes in Cardiac Tele, MICU RN.

Hi DragonflyRN, I just accepted a position at St. John Hospital on Moross in Detroit. Its on a cardiac step-down unit and the interview was so different from all the other interviews I had and I was very comfortable with the staff and the unit. I am very excited to work here and can't wait to start, but I am a little scared that my orientation is a little too short. But the preceptor told me that if I needed a little bit more time then it was okay.

What hospital do you work for and do you like it?

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Step-down units are generally busy, busy, busy!!! I loved it, but then again I have always tended toward areas that are "adrenalin junkie" oriented, icu, er, etc...LOL. Wish you best of luck!

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