What's it like working on a Cardiac floor?

[princsheather]

I am a new BSN student starting in August.

I have always been interested in Oncology, but my hospital doesn't have a very big oncology unit. I also like the NICU, but that's hard to get into. The only other real interest I have is the cardiac unit, and lucky for me the hospital I am going to school at and will probably work at has a huge cardiac unit.

So, what's it like working on the cardiac floor? And is there any good reads that would give me insight into the day-to-day life of a cardiac nurse?

Thanks!

[surferbettycrocker]

try to spin fifty ceramic plates in the air all at the same time without dropping any and only using two hands.

some days that is what it feels like

[beckd]

I have been doing it for many years and find that the pt load makes all the difference. I was charge with 6 pts at the VA and life sucked. I work at at cardiac specialty unit with a charge nurse who is not in ratio and a pt load of 4 to 5. It can be hectic if all your pts are on drips, but I enjoy it.

[brandnewbie]

It can be very scary at times. I frequently get calls from telemetry that my patient has converted into a rhythm that I only read about in my med-surg nursing school books. And when pushing heavy cardiac drugs becomes as common as giving a daily vitamin, it can be easy to drop your guard. It's very rewarding and always keeps you on your toes though.

[georgianurseheather]

On my best days I'm running my tail off and on my worst days it's utter chaos. But I have great co-workers and supportive charge nurses who make all of the difference sometimes. I will say that it's definitely been a good learning experience.

[bumblebee2010]

any tips for a new grad going into cardiac /tele????

[Do-over, ASN, RN]

Love working cardiac step-down, but agree that ratios make all the difference.

[eemurpheeRN]

any tips for a new grad going into cardiac /tele????

Just started as a new grad on a cardiothoracic stepdown unit...i worked there as a patient care tech in school and i think that helped a lot. however, so far i have learned and been told the tips for a new grad on any similar unit....be organized, don't be afraid to ask questions, do your best, and always be open to learn new things!

good luck! :) i know where you're at as i am there too!!

[bumblebee2010]

thanks emurphee....I appreciate the message. Any specific tips relating to cardiac that you've learned so far? thanks

[BartC_RN]

I am a new BSN student starting in August.

I have always been interested in Oncology, but my hospital doesn't have a very big oncology unit. I also like the NICU, but that's hard to get into. The only other real interest I have is the cardiac unit, and lucky for me the hospital I am going to school at and will probably work at has a huge cardiac unit.

So, what's it like working on the cardiac floor? And is there any good reads that would give me insight into the day-to-day life of a cardiac nurse?

Thanks!

Sorry, a little late to topic.

It's fast. Very, very fast.