Going from Cardiac ICU to PACU

Specialties PACU

Published

Specializes in CVICU, ASC.

Hello,

I just recently accepted a job opportunity in a same day outpatient procedure clinic in the PACU. I came straight out of nursing school and have worked in the cardiac ICU the last couple of years. I am not exactly sure what to expect since all of our patients (except open hearts) were recovered in the recovery room. My question is how should I prepare for this position? Will my ICU experience be enough? Also, I would like to get a certification in either CAPA or CPAN when I become eligible. Which certification is better for an outpatient procedure PACU? Thanks!

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Specializes in Peds PACU & Peds Psych.

I started in an outpatient peds PACU straight out of nursing school. No prior ICU experience, or any nursing experience for that matter. I've been trucking along just fine. What time of surgeries are your patients having? Will they be vented or anything afterward? What type of sedation are they using? These factors play a role in how intensive the experience will be.

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Specializes in Peds PACU & Peds Psych.

Sorry, that should have said "what TYPE of surgery." The woes of posting from a phone.

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Specializes in CVICU, ASC.

Thanks for your response! We will be doing laser spine procedures. From what I gather, the procedures take about 30 minutes. It will be completely different from cardiac and I am excited to learn more. Although I love cardiac!

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I work in a Level 1 trauma center PACU. It has been my experience, that nurses with ICU experience have a smoother transition to PACU than those without critical care backgrounds. The autonomy and independence you have in the ICU is much like the PACU. Each nurse is different though.

I did cardiac in prior years. Don't lose those skills/knowledge. Be a resource person for others. (Go back work an occasional shift if you can.) Get a CPAN review book and educate yourself as you move along. The "adrenaline" rush from ICU maybe missed at first.

Look at ASPAN's website and check it out. There is a wealth of information. CAPA/CPAN Certification is a feather in your cap. Good Luck!

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