Help: What is this area in PeriOps called?

[2mint]

Hello allnurses,

I did a rotation where we learned to start IV's and would like to know what this area is called.

Here's the description:

We went down to this area where patients were brought into individual small rooms (about 8 total) and had IV's started and had labs read back to them. They were then got connected with NS and OR nurses would come and check if all the paperworks were in order and then took them to the OR, but if they needed only cardioversion, they would stay on this floor and do cardioversion.

This area was pretty chill and kind of quiet, the nurses seemed to do primarily IV starts and hanging NS and waiting for the OR to pickup the patients or prepping the patients for and assisted with cardioversion.

This area did not seem like the intake area since patients' info were already entered into the system when they arrived to this floor.

It seemed like an in-between of Pre-Ops and OR.

I am a new grad and have an upcoming interview for Urgent Care clinic position where I figure to start and complete my RN-BSN online, then at my 2 year point, like to apply here.

Thoughts?

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

We call it this are Pre-Surgery and we also have a similar one for Cardiac procedures that are all done as an outpatient only called Cardiac Support Unit. Hospitals can name these units all different types of names so you need to start reading the openings .

[2mint]

Thanks iluvivt, that sounds familiar. Isn't this area part of periops (pre-ops -> OR -> PACU)?

As far as my job searches go, I haven't come across similar job descriptions.

Is this area new grad friendly? This would seem like a good transition from new grad to Tele to PACU.

[kalycat, BSN, RN]

Pre-op holding, SAU (surgical assessment unit), phase I or pre-procedure.

ETA: this area at my hospital is not new grad friendly. They prefer at least a year of ICU or step-down experience. Everywhere is different, however. For our day surgery center these nurses rotate between pre-op and PACU. For the main OR the acuity is much higher and the nurses don't rotate but still need to have a very deep skill set.

[2mint]

Pre-op holding, SAU (surgical assessment unit), phase I or pre-procedure.

ETA: this area at my hospital is not new grad friendly....For our day surgery center these nurses rotate between pre-op and PACU.

Thanks. That sounds about right.

When we did not do IV's, we were priming (sp?) NS line for the nurses or helping set up EKGs for cardioversion.

Yeah, none of the nurses seemed like they were in their first or second year...that was the only rotation that the nurses looked un-rushed. This and Tele (CA 4:1) are the only two floors that I'd start as a new grad--you know, I'd like to have a long and happy nursing career :)

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

It's called Pre-op holding in my hospital.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Yes pre op holding and pre surgery areas generally like to have nurses with a few years experience. You will be suprised just how much you do not know once you start practicing. These are very desirable areas to work. One reason is the fast turnover of patients.If you happen to get an abusive patient or a difficult one you don't have them for very long.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

One reason is the fast turnover of patients.If you happen to get an abusive patient or a difficult one you don't have them for very long.

And you can get orders for Versed! It's one of my favorite drugs, but I've never actually taken it myself.

In my facility, this area is known as the pre surgical unit for surgeries and tests using anesthesia (CTs and MRIs on the little ones who can't stay still). We also have cardiac pre procedure unit for cardiac procedures (cath lab, EP) as well.

[2mint]

These are very desirable areas to work.

So pre-op holding is desirable, what other areas are desirable?

(don't say OR, because I find learning about all those operating tools mind-numbing; Cath-lab with required on-calls and those lead jackets get mind-numbing too...I guess...)

[Julius Seizure]

And you can get orders for Versed! It's one of my favorite drugs, but I've never actually taken it myself.

I have. Wonderful little drug.

[Fiona59]

So pre-op holding is desirable, what other areas are desirable?

(don't say OR, because I find learning about all those operating tools mind-numbing; Cath-lab with required on-calls and those lead jackets get mind-numbing too...I guess...)

Any day surgery position is desirable in my hospital. Opthamology, outpatients, all have multiple applicants for every job. Usually need 10 years experience to make the cut for an interview

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Yup. Most want ICU or ER experience. Great jobs. Can be hard to get. Definitely not a great spot for a new grad.