[dmarie1075]

Hi PACU nurses! I have been an ICU nurse for 7 years, and feeling burnt out. I have been offered a position in PACU at a surgical hospital. The hospital specializes in orthopedic procedures, and does not have an ICU/ER.
On call commitment is 3 shifts/month. I went into the ICU as a graduate nurse, so it is all I know. I have been feeling the need for change for about 2 years. I am afraid I may miss ICU. I understand PACU is a good transition for ICU nurses. So PACU nurses, sell me on PACU, or not.
Thank you for any advice!!

[LHJ_RN]

One of my friends told me once that "PACU is where ICU nurses go to die" meaning that once there, they never leave!
I have been in your shoes and find the PACU a refreshing change!
The patients start out like an exciting ICU case and then in an hour or so they are better and leaving your unit! Quite a change from the old "failure to wean the vent" patients that you have to see day in and day out. I say go for it, you probably won't regret it!