Book recommendations for new PACU nurse?

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Specializes in PACU.

Hi,

I'll start working in our PACU (30 beds) in the near future. Right now I'm working in the OR (cardio/vascular). I'd like something to read to prepare a bit. Are there any books that would be of practical value for me? Amazon has lots of books listed, but as I don't live in the US, I'm not interested in books preparing me for some exam or license. I'd like something that'll help me make sense of what's coming through the door. Or should I just focus on a (local) ICU nursing book and pick up the rest by experience?

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Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.

Drain's Perianesthesia Nursing by Odom-Forren 6th edition. The previous editions were by Cecil Drain. This is a classic text and EVERY PACU has or should have a 5th or 6th edition.

Of course it is available on Amazon but check on the WalMart site. I bought my 6th edition there a couple of years ago.

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Specializes in PACU.

Thanks for the recommendation. I've started reading in Drain's... It certainly covers a lot of ground.

I also like this one that I found: Fiches techniques en salle de surveillance post-interventionnelle: surveillance anesthésique et chirurgicale du patient opéré. It's in French (obviously), but I think there's plenty of people here who speak French, so I thought I'd mention it.

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Specializes in PACU.

I download Drains on kindle aka its on my iPhone-to big to carry around. I also have a good book that bullet points PACU essentials. PeriAnesthesia Nursing Care-A Bedside Guide for Safe Recovery. It is by Daphne Stannard and Dina Krenzischek. It is soft covered and light to carry around.

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