Same Day Surgery GN

Specialties PACU

Published

Hi everyone,

I've been scouring through all these posts for the past several weeks and they have been very helpful! I just graduated nursing school with my ADN last month and am already working on my BSN pre-reqs.

I was lucky enough to obtain a new grad position at my local hospital's same day surgery unit inside the actual hospital. I don't start until next month, but from the interview it appears I will be trained in both pre-op and PACU with on call hours as well. I am really excited about starting my new career in this department and feel like I've hit the gold mine of units!

I have to obtain my ACLS and PALS within 90 days of hire so I know that will be a great learning opportunity, but really I'm just excited/nervous to get on the unit and start this journey. I know GNs usually aren't hired straight onto these units, but I'm hoping since it's same day it won't be too overwhelming, but still with a lot learn.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm so happy for you! I, as well, am a 1st year RN and working outpatient surgery. I'm mainly doing PACU and love it. At least 6 other classmates who graduated with me are doing outpatient as well. I also don't feel taking on this type of position will hinder your chances at getting into other specialties in the future! Have fun!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thank you I'm so happy to hear that! I've been reading so much about how GNs shouldn't take this role so it's been making me nervous

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Urology.

Taking this type of job shouldn't hinder your ability to find a job though I would suspect it would be harder to transition to an inpatient setting. The pharmacology aspect will be drastically different from sameday. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU, ED.

I was working as a tech in a PACU while attending nursing school, then hired into it after passing NCLEX. Orientation was a little daunting because it covered everything; Peds, adult, inpatient, outpatient, MRI. It would have been much easier had it been only outpatient. You won't have vents, drips, CTs, or labs to draw.

Never turn your back to a sleeping child or an airway and you'll be fine. Also, don't discharge a patient if you have doubts about them without having a Dr. check them. That makes for a sleepless night.

Join ASPAN, you will learn a lot from their journals and conferences. Plus their standards will keep you and your patients out of trouble. Welcome to Peri-Operative nursing! If you love it half as much as I, it will be your best job ever.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.

It really depends on the type of patients you typically get. You should do fine with a good orientation and patients that are well screened and really are OUT-PATIENTS. People that walk in and most probably will walk out.

Hospital PACUs are much different. Much more complex patients where a lot more can (and does) go wrong. You are expected to assess and treat immediate life threatening situations, airway obstructions, post op bleeding, poor reactions to anesthesia drugs etc. as the Anesthesiologist is not at the bedside to figure it out for you.

You are expected to manage (by assessing and treating) post op situations like pain, nausea, delirium, hypothermia, hypotension, wound appliances etc. with minimal intervention from Anesthesia or the Surgeon. They have moved on and are not at your elbow to tell you what to do. A lot of what I do is prevent complications/situations that would delay a patient in going to their room or home. The OR keeps bringing 'em out so you have to keep up.

Your fellow PACU nurses are in the room with you to help out but for the most part you are expected to handle your own 1-2 patients without taking them away from their 1-2 patients.

Most New Grads anymore haven't had experience with normal nursing things like assessments, IVs, medications, or Foleys let alone bronchospasm, precipitous hypotension or batshit crazy post op delirium.

I don't think New Grads are a good fit because they don't have the experience to predict when things can go bad and prevent it. You have to be very confident in your abilities and not mealy-mush around when patients need airway management, pain medication, anti-emetics and such.

I think a year ICU experience is more appropriate.

And, yeah, PACU is a great gig!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Most New Grads anymore haven't had experience with normal nursing things like assessments, IVs, medications, or Foleys let alone bronchospasm, precipitous hypotension or batshit crazy post op delirium.

I don't think New Grads are a good fit because they don't have the experience to predict when things can go bad and prevent it. You have to be very confident in your abilities and not mealy-mush around when patients need airway management, pain medication, anti-emetics and such.

I think a year ICU experience is more appropriate.

And, yeah, PACU is a great gig!

This is why my hospital won't hire anyone unless they have PACU experience or a minimum 1 year critical care experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment