Helpful hints for R-1 starting in CCU?

[PhillyDoc99]

I just found out that my first block of my intern year will be in the CCU of a major university hospital in a busy city...any advice from those who've already completed their ICU/CCU blocks?? Thanks for your input! 🙂

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[souljah1]

Way to dive in..

I would not spend too much time preparing, but if I had to recommend focusing on a 5 things it would be the following:

1. Management of ST Elevation MI and what to watch for in the post-MI period
2. Management of TIMI > 2-3 NSTEMI "" "" ""
3. ACLS management for tachycardia, bradycardia, VF arrest and PEA
4. Quick review of pressors and their indications
5. Management of severe heart failure

Are you in Philly??

 

[Mumpu]

Watch the NEJM procedure videos.
Go to this site http://www.med-ed.virginia.edu/courses/rad/ and read through the ICU chest films tutorial. Twice.
Know the basic initial management of: STEMI, NSTEMI, DKA, sepsis, alcohol withdrawal, COPD exacerbation, UGIB/LGIB. These will constitute the vast majority of your patients.

 

[Tapout]

I started CCU without cardiology or unit experience and honestly read minimally before I started (read up on some of the aforementioned topics and EKG interpretation). Cardiology is my weakness and the rotation still was not that bad. The ICU Book by Marino has some very useful chapters if you are not familiar with vents and pressors etc... Many pts come to you post-cath also so know the post-op management and get very familiar with all of the common cardiac drugs. The first month of residency honestly is a time to get used to being an intern as the resident will be forced to help you out much more than you may realize. Just prepare as much as possible while still enjoying your last non-80hr/wk electrolyte repleting, pre-rounding, and trazodone and pain med dispensing -days. Good luck and always remember there were plenty bad residents who made it through so you certainly will. Relax and enjoy the ride and pick up some educational points along the way.