Pcu?

Specialties MICU

Published

Specializes in Medical/Surgical.

I'm a nursing student right now, and I just recently applied to the PCU as a nursing assistant. From my understanding, PCU is a step-down from the ICU. Can anyone give me any insight on what I would be doing as a nursing assistant on that floor during nights?? I'll find out during my interview but I'm just curius to find out beforehand.

Thanks!

Specializes in ICU.

The duties will vary from hospital to hospital. But, some of the duties will include...vital signs, blood sugar checks, emptying foleys, answering call lights, helping with baths, walking with patients, giving water to the patients, and possibly stocking supplies.

Good luck with your interview!

Sounds like a great opportunity. My advice would be to make it known while you're working there that you're a nursing student, and ask a lot of questions. Externships/CNA stints can very easily become bogged down in the list of tasks you need to accomplish, so it's easy to miss learning opportunities in merely getting done what you need to. You'll also probably find that some RNs are more willing to field questions than others, which is fine and most likely not a personal slight towards you. If you're hard-working, show yourself to be an eager and quick learner, and can work well in a team setting, you'll do very well.

Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

Have you taken a CNA class before? If so, the duties are just like that of a CNA. I work in an Intermediate and an ICU unit so I have the same duties as a regular CNA would but I will also be trained in inserting and d/c'ing Foley's and NG tubes. I will also take blood sugars and get to d/c IV's.

Specializes in Medical/Surgical.

Thanks for the reply! I think I'm just a little hazy on what exactly I would be doing during the night since most of the residents are sleeping and what not. Besides vitals and whatnot. Most of the bedbaths get done in the morning by the morning shift correct? Ah I just need to wait til my interview and bombard with questions!

Specializes in ICU.

Most people in the hospital do not sleep all night! Some do, but please don't think nothing happens on the night shift because "everyone is sleeping."

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