What will a nursing student learn on a telemetry floor?

[Lovelymo79]

Hi everyone!

I'm a nursing student (first year - diploma program) starting next month! I have an interview next Friday for a nursing assistant position on a telemetry floor. I know basically what a nursing assistant does (my school requires us to take a nursing assistant course before starting school in August. I'm in it now and LOVE it! It started last week and we've already had 3 days of clinicals). So, my school's hospital (my school is apart of a hospital - it's a diploma program) allows us to work there as nursing assistants when we're done with the course (end of this month).

So, I just wanted to know what you guys think (how helpful will it be in nursing school..I know I'll atleast learn how to read the EKG strips!)...what should I expect..any tips as a new nursing assistant who is also a student..any advice in general (as well as what should I express in the interview. I'm a 2nd career person..who worked in corporate America. However, I worked as a unit secretary years before entering corporate America).

Thanks all!! :bowingpur

[cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP]

As a CNA/Nursing Student who has worked on a Cardiovascular - Telemetry Med/Surg floor I would say that your EXPECTED to learn how to do your job correctly but you SHOULD be taking every opportunity to learn that presents itself. This means that you tell the RNs that you are a nursing student and you really want to learn so anything that they can let you observe or even practice is a great opportunity. I've watched countless foleys being inserted and removed and eventually I was given a chance to do them myself with the nurse present but I also watch when they change osotomy appliances and insert IVs, sometimes its not terribly exciting but there is always a chance to learn so take advantage of it. Try to learn about frequently perscribed meds. and what they are for as well as chronic conditions that a lot of your patients may have and how to manage them. Also try to make connections from the illnesses/conditions a patient has and the treatments/medication the patient receives to how you should modify the care you give the patient. For example: if a nurse tells you that one of your patients is being given Lasix (let's just say for CHF) you should keep in mind that the patient will have an increased need to urinate so you should offer them the bedpan or ambulate them to the bathroom frequently to avoid incontinence issues. To be honest, its all in what you make of it. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

!Chris

[jjjoy, LPN]

I think being an NA is almost always a good idea for a nursing student. Hopefully, since you're in a diploma program that encourages students to be NAs, you will be able to fully take advantage of the opportunities of being on the floor more often. But do know that it's not always as simple as being willing to learn and put in the extra effort.

Sometimes, one's responsibilities as an NA don't leave much, if any, time for anything beyond the NA role. Also, the nursing staff, perhaps being too busy with their own work, may at times actively discourage your seeking out more info from them. That doesn't mean to not keep asking! Hopefully, though, the staff on your floor will be open to teaching NA/nursing students. Even if you don't have much chance to see or do much more than NA work, you will be learning a lot such as dealing with patients & other health care personnel, having medical terminology reinforced, and juggling multiple patient needs (aka time management). If things work out well, you will have both the opportunity and initiative to learn much more as well!