Patient length of stay in PACU

You have way too many co-morbid factors to really have a hold on it. Plus, you always have the anesthesia provider's practice--soooo many things depend on what they do in the OR.

But there are generalities:

ASA 1s with MACs--coming out awake, hungry, no pain? Out the door faster then you can say boo.

ASA 2s/3s with MACS with some co morbids affecting their post op? Longer (depends on the type of surgery).

ASA 2s/3s with GA multiple co-morbids affecting their post ops (depends on the surgery) Even longer still.

I'm not sure this has helped you, but I hope it has somewhat.

I do not have a step down / Phase II PACU & so my nurses do it all - the patients come directly from the OR to this unit & are discharged to home (or the floor) as well.
Our length of stay is now based simply on the Aldrete score. Condition based discharge is how we function & it has been quite a transition for my nurses who were discharging based on time limitations (i.e. the first hour was considered phase I & the patient was required to remain at that status for one hour & then they were considered phase II & sat for an hour, then & only then would they begin to think about offering the patient a drink & prepping them to go home).
Perform an intenert search for the following article - it is very helpful if you are looking to change current practice:
Discharge Criteria and Complications after ambulatory surgery
If you would like to PM me your email address I would be happy to send you some article.