ICU vs PCU

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Specializes in oncology, transplant, OB.

What's the difference between ICU and PCU? Obviously the patients in the PCU are going to be more stable, but will they still be on vents? Do you think most of them will be awake and alert?

Thanks for the help!

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Not all PCUs are the same.

For ours, the pts are awake, stable, and can be on non-titratable drips (Heparin, octreotide, nexium, etc)

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Vents in our PCU?:chuckle Our PCU can't even seem to handle angina patients. I'm sure it is not the same in all hospitals, but vents ONLY go to ICU.

Doris

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Specializes in Tele,CCU,ER.

A patient may be on a vent if they get intubated while in the PCU. Sometimes we have some vents in PCU if all the ICUs are packed...PCU patients are mostly stable(MI,GIB,PNA) Hope this helps.

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Specializes in oncology, transplant, OB.

Thanks for responding!

I'm a new nurse and have an interview on a PCU this week and wasn't really sure what to expect.

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I know this is old, but our PCU has vents and drips to titrate. Some of our patients are awake and alert, others are not. If they don't require hourly vital checks, they don't need to be in ICU.

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in my pcu or stepdown...i guess the same thing we take stable trached vents and when we send patients to the unit they will often be intubated in our area and stay for a bit until a bed is available. we do many different drips including heparin, insulin, nexium, octreotide, dopamine, amiardorone (sorry spelling), dobutamine etc....we do not do ativan drips or levophed etc. Our patients vary in alertness in both extremes. its pretty busy :)

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Specializes in PICU/NICU.

OK... I'm gonna ask the stoooopid question... What is the P in PCU?? I've asked my coworkers and no one knows.

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Specializes in Tele-Float Pool, Home Care, Pt Safety.

After spending a mere 15 minutes searching my PCCN study guide for the definitive answer, I can assure you the "P" stands for "Progressive". (btw, always -ALWAYS- question acronyms.)

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Specializes in PICU/NICU.
After spending a mere 15 minutes searching my PCCN study guide for the definitive answer, I can assure you the "P" stands for "Progressive". (btw, always -ALWAYS- question acronyms.)

Thanks....clears alot up!!

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Progressive Care Unit

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