So I’m suppose to start doing rotating shift as a new grad any advice on managing? Any tips for a new grad on a step down cardiopulmonary floor?
Yup. Watch “ICU Advantage” hemodynamics series on you tube. Then watch the series on ICU drips. Best advice I can give you is find the best nurse on the unit and emulate.
As a new grad you will learn more during the day.
As a new grad try your very best to work all over the hospital. If I ran things all new hire RNs would float their first year. Even though it feels good to be needed and you sincerely want to help, take your breaks, your lunches, your PTO, use your sick time, use your FMLA. Keep hobbies and friends that are not associated with healthcare. Nursing is one of the most rewarding professions and it is a sincere privilege to care for others @ their worst. But it all comes at a cost.
You will love Cardio/Pulmonary and learn so much!!! Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help even of the nurse aides they are a big part of the team. It does take a team for sure. Keep your eyes open and really listen to your patient. Do a total complete assessment at the start of every shift even if you had the same patient for the last 3 days. And remember you can only be in one place at a time. Prayers for you friend. Push for a straight shift if you can but if you have to do rotating shifts sleep well! 😊
On the personal time, review cardiac and pulmonary physiology. If you're familiar with physiology, the medical and nursing intervention will, first of all, make sense and second, will be easier to learn, memorize & retain.
