Career advancement in PACU unit?

Specialties PACU

Published

Hello,

I am curious to know what are the alternatives as far as career advancement for nurses in PACU.

Thank you.

Specializes in Urology.

Hi AmazonFan,

Your question is very ambiguous as to what it is you are tying to ask. Perhaps you could clarify a little on what you mean by advancement. Are you refering to going to a different unit, advance practice, management, etc?

Hello twozer0!

I'm sorry. I meant advance practice but knowing about management opportunities will be good too.

Thank you!

Specializes in Urology.

Amazon,

Advanced practice as in NP, CNS, or CRNA. I assume this is what you mean? Really you can do whatever you want, even med school. If you're trying to find out what pairs well, again this is really up to the individual and what their personal goals are. For example. I wanted to be a CRNA before I moved to PACU. After spending a lot of time with them, I realized it wasnt the career I wanted to do the rest of my life. I think a lot of people find the draw to it for money but the call hours and long nights are something I am trying to rid myself of as my children grow. Priorities change. As far as your advancement goes, pick something you feel you would be comfortable with doing and go that route. Nobody can really make that choice but you. There is no right or wrong choice and what is good for some might not be good for you.

Thank you so much! This was very helpful.

Do you mind me asking where are your interest today after PACU? How they changed?

Specializes in Urology.
Thank you so much! This was very helpful.

Do you mind me asking where are your interest today after PACU? How they changed?

I still work in PACU. I decided to become a Family Nurse Practitioner instead of a CRNA. I'm enrolled in a well known state university. I tossed out med school just because of the shear time it would have taken and the fact I would be mid 40's with a boatload of debt. FNP just seems like a natural fit for me, what I can accomplish with my responsibilites and what will suit my lifestyle for the future. Again, this is why it is up to you to evaluate what you want. Lifestyle is a big consideration as is what is doable with your current situation. If you're willing to sacrifice other opportunities can be made available but I'm not at a point in my life that its easy to do nor required.

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