Spu/sds/ops

[mysticalwaters1]

Hey everyone. I've been working on a pulmonary/overflow med surg floor for 2.5 years and really really need a change. I was going to try ICU but no positions yet and came across an opening for SPU/SDS/OPS unit. I've tried to find threads on it here but there was no specific specialty of SPU on here but OR was. Anybody work in such a unit? If so can you give me an idea what you do there?

At my hospital I think a lot of it is assisting the doctors with mostly colonoscopy, EGDs, and bronchoscopy. But it is also same day surgery. I've heard of people with eye surgery go there.

I just wanted an idea of what a day may consisit of, what types of procedures, what work do you do in the unit prior to and after procedure, other work besides the specific procedure, and if people enjoy it there. I hear many people who transfer to our spu never leave it. A former coworker did and is not back so seems to be true.

Obviously you assist the doctor with the procedure but you still do lots of nursing procedure correct? Iv's, assessments. I was reading posts more specifically OR where people say they barely use a stethascope, and well it makes it seem you're an assistant only and just wanted some feedback is this true or is it worthwhile and satisfactory in this type of unit?

People on these threads appear to really enjoy this specialty and what makes that so?

[sharann, BSN, RN]

I just wanted to respond to you. I don't know your specific type of unit there but generally there are SDS units (same day surgery) which are post procedure areas and used as pre-op/procedure. It is a second phase recovery area in our hospital. If your place actually does the procedures you would be giving moderate sedation which entails you knowing what drugs and doses are SAFE and permitted for RN's to give. You might want to find out first. You will need ACLS class and PALS if kids involved.

My real comment to you though was that if you truly want to go to

ICU, you might talk to their nurse manager about possibly going through ICU training didactic classes while you wait so you will be halfway there. Get all the required certifications and see if they will allow you to start there per diem or part time. Work it out with your dept leader so no one feels slighted and you may have a better shot. If they see you are seriously considering leaving they might be more ready to help you. I can't believe there is any hospital that has NO ICU openings. Have you actually heard this from the managers lips or are you relying on job boards(which lie!)

Good luck