Sell me on PACU, or don't

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

I have an opportunity to pick up a sweet shift doing pool at a small hospital's PACU.

I have an adult background in Critical Care, but when I went NICU I swore I'd never go back. I think I could do this because I wouldn't have to be their primary care RN and they would go back to their rooms and I won't have to deal with visitors and what not.

Am I in La La land ? Am I fooling myself ? Or is PACU a really good way to pick up some dough?

I appreciate all input!

[OC_An Khe]

PACU can be great, one of the best areas in any hospital to work,

unless their call schedule is crazy or they use PACU as an overflow for ICU in patients.

If your are just going there as a PRN its even better.

[hoolahan, ASN, RN]

I pulled a few all-nighters d/t no ICU beds. Hated that part, but PACU nursing itself is the best!! If it is a trauma center, there will usually be a problem w ICU beds, if not, usually OK.

Good Luck

[sharann, BSN, RN]

You eaither love it or hate it! The pace can be maddening and overwhelming. Patients are at their most vulnerable when emerging from anesthesia. You must be prepared for frequent "crashing" BP's and respiratory events (got AMBU bag?). Also,have to love to push lots of pain meds in HIGH ass doses. If the RR crashes, at least they are in recovery!

I love it, hate call, would recommend it to anyone who loves "pampering" and coddling their patients. You are like a mommy to them for an hr or more.

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

Now if there's one thing I love, it's giving pain meds in large doses! :chuckle Bagging? I was born to bag !:roll

I bet they do have ICU overflow, but it is a small hospital and I think a lot of what they do is outpatient. No Trauma thank goodness!

It sounds like something I could deal with for 32 hours a month.

Thanks you guys!:kiss