What task should I know

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Specializes in CARDIAC.

Hello all I will be starting my 1st nursing job on a cardiac step down unit , I'm wondering what are tasks that you feel I should know as a new grad ... For example when new grads come on you floor what are things that you would advice them to review before coming to you floor ?

Please help my nursing family !!!

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Specializes in ICU.

Know that all nursing is not task-oriented and critical thinking is very important.

On a cardiac step down unit, I would tell you to get to know your cardiac meds.

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Specializes in CARDIAC.

Thanks for your input :)

I definitely know I need critical thinking just wanted to know what task I should know because I know their were certain task I didnt perform in clinical that I will may have to perform ; so I would like to YouTube them in advance .

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Specializes in Public Health, TB.

Not knowing your clinical, its hard to say. What I see many students struggle with is:

Hanging IV fluids, including priming lines, setting up pumps, labeling lines.

Know the difference between clean (aseptic) technique and sterile technique.

Doing a basic head to toe assessment.

Believe it or not, a manual blood pressure.

Checking doppler pulses.

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Specializes in CARDIAC.

OMG thank you so much:singing: this is just what I needed :) .... I know they will teach me and they don't expect me to know it all but I want to look up all that you mentioned ahead of time so I won't be completely lost !

Xoxo

anymore suggestion nurse fam ?

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Specializes in Hospice.

Practice reading rhythm strips daily. It is very important to know the different rhythms, what causes them, what medications to give and also what medications to avoid. Once you have mastered basic EKG, start studying 12 lead EKGs. I used to go to Youtube and type in heart rhythms and found a lot of great information.

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Specializes in CARDIAC.

Thanks alot :) ... I like that idea of reviewing the rhythms daily ... Thanks for the advice cardiac freak ... I hope I become a cardiac freak like u. :)

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I'm new on a cardiac unit as well! I see a lot of post cath's and AICD placements... so assessment of those... common arrhythmias & meds to treat them... managing heparin drips... I see heparin, nitro, & cardizem drips a lot!

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Specializes in CARDIAC.

Thanks so much hollykristin … how long have you been on the floor ?

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Your welcome! I started March 1st!

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