better way to become a PACU nurse

[cb25]

Hi everyone. I am recent new grad RN that really wants to eventually become PACU nurse. For the past several months I have been working as an RN on a cardiovascular telemetry unit (even had to move out of my home state just to find a job). Things are going good though and my nurse manager has even mentioned moving me into CVICU possibly as early as in spring. I don't have any gurantee that this will happen.

However I recently got a call from a hospital back home about an ER position. So I went back home for an interview, and they ended up offering me the job in the ER.

So I was wondering what job would offer a better, and yes quicker path for myself to eventually get into PACU nursing.

Thanks for any replies.

[Perpetual Student]

Both would be great experience for getting yourself into a PACU eventually, with perhaps a very slight edge going to CVICU. Factors to consider include the nature of the ER (e.g. will you see a lot of critical patients), whether you want to return home or you prefer your new area, and the fact that you've already got a guaranteed shot in the ER vs. not being sure for the CVICU. You should also consider which of those areas interests you more.

Personally, I think I'd take the ER job if I were in a similar boat, but that's more of an issue of where my interests lie. I like the variety and it is still excellent preparation for PACU. The fact that you will likely have patients across the lifespan, like you will in many PACUs, is a plus. The pace is more similar to PACU with lots of patient turnover. Of course if things are going so well in your current position it might be prudent just to hang tight for now and see what happens.

I think whether you want to return home or stay where you're at now is really the biggest issue. You can become a PACU nurse through either optiom--you probably could by just sticking to your current job for a while, too, if you wanted to.

Good luck in figuring out a path that works best for you.

[stumillardkm]

I was an ER nurse for 1 1/2 years and now I'm applying for a PACU position - I think the experience you gain in the ER is invaluable! If you have a chance to get into the ER, take it. There you learn great skills that you can and will utilize in MANY areas of nursing - and PACU, such as: IV starts, airway management, medications, conscious sedations, how to respond to Code Blues, etc... Go for the ER! and good luck!