CICU Rotation

WELCOME TO YOUR CARDIAC INTENSIVE CARE (CICU) ROTATION: ORIENTATION SUMMARY

CICU Unit Manager

All of the information that you require for your Cardiology Rotation is on this site so please be sure to review thoroughly.

IN ORDER FOR THE CICU TEAM TO FUNCTION EFFICIENTLY & SAFELY, ALL PAGES, PARTICULARLY CODE PAGES, MUST BE ANSWERED PROMPTLY. PLEASE ALSO TAKE A CAREFUL READ THROUGH THE DETAILED ORIENTATION.

Key Contact

Teri Harris, CICU Unit Manager

Phone: 780-735-6883

Pager: 780-412-9459

Email: Theresa.harris@ahs.ca

OVERVIEW

Learning Objectives – see detailed orientation information.
The CICU consists of 10 -12 acute beds (patients requiring intravenous nitroglycerine, inotropic support, invasive monitoring/intervention, temporary pacemakers) and a procedure room with fluoroscopy capability (insertion of temporary pacing wires, pulmonary artery catheters, IABP).
CICU rounds with Cardiology staff begin at 0800 hrs. Prior to rounds, Senior residents should participate in the nursing report on your assigned patient.
Junior residents Write Progress notes before the beginning of rounds, and complete all orders once the patient’s case has been discussed.
Junior CICU resident on call will attend codes paged overhead and is supported by a Senior Resident, respiratory therapist and trained nursing staff.
All CICU admissions must be discussed with the on call Cardiologist.
Take up opportunities to increase your knowledge and abilities starting IV’s, intubating patients, starting arterial lines, etc but know your limitations on procedures and seek assistance if needed.
The Respiratory Therapists are adept in intubating and initiating arterial lines. They do not teach how to perform the procedures but are back up if needed
Residents are responsible for prompt follow-up of previously seen consultations on other services, and to review all new patients with the Cardiologist.

SENIOR RESIDENTS

JUNIOR RESIDENTS

Senior residents are expected to coordinate activities of the CICU team, managing patients on the CICU and consult service.
The Senior resident in CICU will keep a comprehensive consult follow-up list.
Senior residents are required to present a case-based group presentation on the 4th Thursday of their rotation. The topic should be decided by the end of the second week and should be reviewed with the CICU Attending Cardiologist for content and relevance. The presentation title must be sent to Cheryl Dixon (cheryl.dixon@albertahealthservices.ca ) by the third Wednesday
Senior Residents are second call on weeknights and weekends/holidays

The Junior resident is responsible for consults coming from ER and Ward.
The Junior resident should contact the Senior resident immediately prior to assessing a patient.
Suspected ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and hemodynamic unstable patients need to be assessed immediately in collaboration with the Senior resident.
The resident must maintain timely communication with the nurse in charge to inform them of admission or possible admissions so that staffing can be adjusted to the acuity of the CICU.
Call Duties & Objectives: Junior residents are first call 24/7. During call, the resident will learn to assess and treat acutely ill patients and triage appropriately. Prior to calling staff or seniors, the junior resident should assess the case in appropriate detail to convey first an idea of the suspected diagnosis followed by the important details of the case and a planned course of action. Both the Senior Resident and/or the Attending Cardiologist can be expected to personally attend to complicated patient matters with the junior resident.

POST CALL RESIDENTS, PRIOR TO LEAVING, MUST ENSURE THE SENIOR RESIDENT IS AWARE OF ANY OUTSTANDING ISSUES FROM THE PREVIOUS NIGHT.