Help with nursing student responsibilities in the PACU

[alsn]

I'm going to the PACU tomorrow for clinicals. I have to write a paper about nursing resposibilities and the student nurses responsibilities in the PACU. I found all the information on the nurses responsibilities, but I'm not clear as to what emy responsibilities will be tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of vitals, pulse ox, and assessment. I am in the 2nd semester so I am allowed to administer medications, as long as it is not direct IV. Could someone give me some guidance as to what my responsibilities will be tomorrow? Thanks!

[Nurse Kyles, BSN, RN]

When I was in the PACU as a second semester student, I mostly observed. These patients have a lot going on, and the very prudent nurses certainly weren't going to trust me with much. They were really good about explaining their reaponsibilities and all that they were doing. Really I felt like it was a lot to comprehend at that level. I don't even remember them letting me take vitals. I think the bp cuff was on & the machine was set to take at exact intervals. Also the pulse ox was on continuously. Sorry this probably doesn't help much with your paper :)

[NCRNMDM, ASN, RN]

I go to PACU Monday, but I will tell you what I heard other students say they did. In my program we can give IV push drugs, hang IV meds, and administer fluids, PO medications, and IM and subcutaneous injections. We can also insert Foley catheters, IV lines, NG tubes, etc. We can take vital signs, do EKGs, apply ECG monitor leads, and do all the other nursing and CNA tasks. Most of the students who went to PACU were very involved. They recorded vitals, emptied drains, monitored patients, and some even got to give medications or attempt procedures. Some inserted NGs and Foleys prior to surgery, others administered sedative drugs and other medications to patients.

It really depends on what hospital you go to, how the nurses view students, and what skills you have already learned.