[dolcebellaluna]

I'm a nursing student and have recently gotten a "nursing student" position in local community hospital's out-patient surgery unit. Because I can't really circulate surgeries as a student and they're not going to pay me to just observe surgeries, I'm either going to be working in holding or recovery room. I haven't seen when things go wrong post-op, only small children with tonsillectomies having a hell of a time coming out (confused, fussy, etc) so I'm just curious as to why you chose PACU and if you would recommend it to a new grad.

[texascowgirl]

no i would NOT recommend it to a new grad. i do believe that you need to have some ER or critical care background, and just some experience under your belt, because you need to develop critical thinking skills, which are honed once you actually go to work and utilize the knowledge you gained in nursing school.
i chose PACU because i just got burned out on the drama/trauma of ER, and wanted better hours.
i work mon thru fri 8 hour shifts (not 12's like i did in ER), and i work days only, no holidays, no weekends.
it's much "cleaner" than ER. i got tired of dealing with the nasty overdoses and traumas and unruly folks.
i am losing my skills though...my ER skills. if i don't start working a second job pretty soon, i wont be able to work in many areas again outside of recovery

[Zoe's Mom]

I went to PACU with no critical care experience. I had a great preceptor and very strong co-workers. I did not take call alone for several months. Guess my boss was either desperate or believed in me! I stayed there for 3 years. I am recently back in PACU at a different facility (due to a move) and love it! I didn't realize how much I missed it! PACU, like most areas of nursing, has it's own personality!

[Siss]

I wouldn't work anywhere else.