What should I expect on my unit?!

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Hello nurses!! I am happy to report that after approximately 150 applications to every possible place i could think of, i finally got a job in Texas!!! Its almost 2,000 miles from home but i figure now is the time to go explore and start in a new place :) I will be on a med/surg cardiac interventional care unit and although i was told it was going to a fast paced med surg, the "cardiac" part of it is a bit scary since I have never taken care of just cardiac patients.

I was hoping anyone who currently works on a cardiac unit or a "cardiac interventional"unit (whatever the difference may be!) could give me a few ideas of what to expect...

Thanks!!!:nurse:

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Specializes in PACU,Trauma ICU,CVICU,Med-Surg,EENT.

Cardiac interventions could be procedures like ablations,cardiac catheterizations, balloon angioplasties,pacemaker,defibrillators,and loop recorders... I expect you might do pre procedure preparation ( vitals,preop meds, etc) and LOTS AND LOTS of post procedure vital signs and site checks ( groin, upper anterior chesst,etc), you may be required to do your own 12 or 15 lead ECGs,some degree of interpretation,possibly IV starts( though anesthesia may do their own),arterial line removal,etc.

Now,take a deep breath :-) you will be given a good orientation and a preceptor to smooth things for you. E You will learn TONS of very valuable knowledge- if you understand the heart it will clarify everything else. Ask questons - none are ever stupid; be on the lookout for new learning opportunities,be a sponge! Congratulations and best of luck!

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All I can say is Congrats!!! I live in New York and have sent out that many applications too. Let us know how your first day goes.

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

Congratulations! I also live in New York and I can't seem to get hired. I've been eyeing all of those job ads in TX and thinking about going for it. Is it rural or a city? Are they helping you with relocation?

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All4Seasons thanks for your response!! I am definitely looking forward to learning LOTS and LOTS. I was told it was going to be a great learning experience!!

TaniqueRN thanks for the congrats!! I'll keep you posted on how everything goes!

DizzylizzyNurse thanks! Its more of a rural city but still has its "city like" places. And yes! They're covering most of my relocation :)

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