Unfortunate ICU RN in need of less physically demanding job

[SunshineRN32]

]I have been working in the ICU since I was a new grad a little less than 2 years ago. I love it SO much, but I know that I physically cannot continue. I am on worker's comp right now for a back injury while pulling up a patient only a few weeks after a neck injury! Additionally, I have a rheumatologist trying to diagnose a possible autoimmune disease that has left me fatigued, lightheaded, with joint pain and numbness.

I am considering applying to the PACU. Now, I am in no way saying PACU nurses have an "easy" job. I'm just looking for less turning every 2 hrs, cleaning incontinent patients up, getting OOB to chair, running from room to room, etc.

I thought PACU would be a good transition. Any input or thoughts? Other units??

Thanks!

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[SunshineRN32]

it all depends on which PACU you go to. The good thing about ours is that the pt's are already on their own bed when they get to PACU. The only physical thing we do is to just push their beds to their assigned rooms. I work both places and I would take PACU any day. My back is killing me! My ICU is small and we have no techs at night.. which means we turn our patients on our own more often than not.

That's pretty much what I'm looking for. I'm not saying I want/need the easiest job in the world, just a step down in intensity from the craziness and high physical demands of the ICU, so I can keep my health issues under better control. See, I also work in an ICU with no PCTs, no nurses aids and no lift team, so all care, turning, lifting, OOB is done by RNs. When you say it depends on the PACU you work in, would smaller or bigger be better? Or do you mean other variables? Thanks in advance for your input.

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