Career Corner >> Career Advice >> Newly Certified Nursing Assistant to Work in Hospital Cardio. Telemetry Unit - How Should I Prepare?
Newly Certified Nursing Assistant to Work in Hospital Cardio. Telemetry Unit - How Should I Prepare?
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Posted over 4 years ago What is the best way for a newly admitted PN student & newly certified nursing assistant (with only nursing home clinical background/experience) to prepare for a position in a major Hospital's cardiology telemetry unit? This position would involve, as I understand it, patients that had been admitted to ICU, because of the seriousness of their illness, and then, when stable (two/three days later) they are sent to the hospital's cardiology telemetry unit. I was told that the position would require training in EKG, Phlebotomy, etc. and the position would also entail required training to become a PCT. I would like to prepare, as much as I can, before the start date of the position. I am very excited! I just want to do my best, make little mistakes, while feeling/appearing confident in my newly learned abilities. What books, information should I research and what are the most important skills that I should practice or refresh my memory on? Are there any BIG "DOS & DON'TS" surround this type of position. What do you think is the most important thing that I should keep in mind? Also, what would a CNAs daily routine be like? In what way/s is it similar or how does it differ from a nursing home routine? Thank you for any help/suggestions/pointers that you can offer! Sincerely, Very Green Newby |
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| Posted over 4 years ago Cardiac stuff along with gushing stage 4 decubitus ulcers are among my favorite areas! Are these CABG patients? If these patients have had bypass, 1st rule is no using the arms for maneuvering in bed. That could jeopardize the sternal incision frorm the surgery. Next I would request orientation with a seasoned cna to learn your routine and priorities. The patients comfort is of utmost importance to include personal hygiene and oral care. The patients normally dread when the nurse comes in the room...........but the cna will bring a smile to their face because you are their for their comfort and they know this. Gotta chart that output and inputs. As your orienting write stuff down, like signs and symptoms to report to the nurse <simple things like urine output, appearance of stool, clammy skin, etc....>,. Safety is soooooooooooo important. Alot of them confused and unable to follow simple instructions, so you will need to establish trust and see what kind of communication problems you might have <hard of hearing? non english speaking>, Watch for pain........drainage of any type on any bandage and report that to the nurse. Id go ahead and get a book on 12 lead ekg or at least basic arhythmias. That would give you a heads up. Just pay attention, have a litle notepad handy to write stuff down that will be part of your routine! Good luck! I love cardiac patients! We only have one heart, take care of it! Angie |
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| Posted over 3 years ago my advice to you is to get some exercise (stretching) before your shift starts because you will be on your feet 90% of the time &eat a good breakfast prefferably frosted flakes because theyre grrreat!!! |
