RN (Registered Nurse)

Cardiac Tele Unit 3N

Unit 3N - Cardiac Tele (Cost Center 14) # Beds 43-Beds (Semi-private) with 9-10 of these are private. Ratios Average ratios 1:5 (can flex up to 1:6). Required Certifications BLS & ACLS are both required. Common diagnosis / Types of patients Post heart caths, TR Bands, CHF, COPD, post pacers (no external pacers), medical management or waiting for CABG consult, CHF, COPD, arrhythmias. Experience or 'Must have' skills Must be able to read strips, comfortable with these types of patients. Are RN's required to titrate drips? Yes - but only Heparin. Common titratable &/or set rate drips Cardizem & Amiodarone are not titrated. Only titrate Heparin & occasionally Lasix or Bumex. Tele/Monitor Techs on this unit? Do RN's read strips? They have monitor techs & are also the central monitor station for the entire North Tower. RN's need to be able to read strips. Charge Nurse/House Supervisor Charge Nurse 24/7 - supposed to be free but depending on the needs they may have to take a patient assignment on days. Night charge always takes a patient assignment - if traveler is comfortable being charge they would allow this. Are there Nurse Aides on this unit/Ratios "PCT's - Ratios: Goal is 1:8 but they can flex up to 1:12-18 depending on call offs, etc. Duties: ADLS, FSBS, EKGs (when able; however, RN's must be able to do EKG's, etc. as well if PCT unable to so) " RT/Equipment (i.e. Cpap, Bipap, High Flow) Occasional High Flow (certain rooms). Bipap & Cpap - for supportive therapy only. If patient was dependent on Bipap or Cpap they would probably be transferred to a higher acuity unit - very rare - If they had someone on a continuous Bipap it would only be temporary until they moved them. Shifts & Scheduling Shifts are all 12's (0700-1930; 1900-0730) - Self-scheduling is allowed & they will accommodate block schedule if the needs of the unit are met. Weekend Requirement "EOW for travelers (Perm staff does every 3rd weekend) Weekend shifts for Nights are Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon; Days are Sat/Sun " Holiday Requirement Perm staff have a Holiday rotation schedule. If they can get by without travelers working weekends they will; however, if the needs of the unit require travelers to work weekends, this would be the expectation. Add in travelers if needed. Call or Standby Requirement "Call or Standby could happen if census was low, but not often. This would be something that would be in the contract - This would be very rare. ***If traveler has further questions direct them to speak with their recruiter***" Floating Requirements Travelers worked into the float rotation. They could be floated anywhere in the hospital, ICU (rare) & Stepdown; however, they would only be given patients within their skillset. Scrub Color/Dress Code Royal Blue - Scrub jackets are not required; however, if they wear a jacket it must be an actual scrub jacket. No hoodies or sweat-jackets. Unit/Department Specific Orientation 1 day of Computer training, followed by 1 day on the floor shadowing with a preceptor. After that they are on their own for the 3rd day. Additional Notes They are used to having a lot of new grads & are very willing to teach on this unit. Additional Questions Team work is also huge on this unit. Everyone is always helping each other. It is very fast paced with approximately 8-12 discharges per day & 8-12 admission. RN's are expected to do their own admissions & discharges; however, if they feel like they are behind they are encouraged to ask for help. They also have a unit clerk.