The Beat Goes On – Life in the CVICU

Code Brew

In this episode of Code Brew, hosts Jo King and Luke Warm welcome Lora Zappem, a CVICU nurse with extensive experience in various nursing fields. They discuss Lora's journey in nursing, the unique challenges and rewards of working in the CVICU, and the patient population typically seen in this specialized unit. The conversation delves into the advanced technology and devices used in CVICU, including hemodynamic monitoring and ECMO, highlighting the critical role nurses play in patient care and the importance of continuous learning in the nursing profession. In this conversation, Jo King and Lora Zappem discuss the importance of teamwork in patient care, particularly in the context of cardiac devices like impellas and LVADs. They explore the differences between impellas and balloon pumps, the benefits of LVADs for patients, and the complexities of heart transplants. The discussion also covers emergency situations in the CVICU and offers valuable advice for new graduates entering the field, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptability in nursing practice.