Moving to PACU

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Just wanted to thank all of you for the information and support. I am starting in PACU soon and really am looking forward to the change. I've been researching and reading PeriAnesthesia by Drain. Lots of things to learn.

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Hey that is terrific. I love PACU and think the Drain book is a great source. Remeber, no matter how much experience you have in your former specialty, this is a totally different world and it may take a few months even a full year to feel like you are not in over your head! It really depends on the team support you have. Lots of luck and feel free to post any questions.

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I'm coming from ER and youre right it seems like I really have a lot to learn--which I enjoy. Any suggestions on what to concentrate on at first since I'm limited on time. My orientation is coming up soon. Yikes !!

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Specializes in Pediatric PACU.

I have been in the PACU (pediatrics) for about 2 years now and floated there off and on for the past 5 or so. I really love it. Just enough critical care to keep me on my toes but not so much that I am burned out.

Coming from the ER you should be fine. I have to say that in our PACU, airway is number one. We do a lot of jaw thrusts, bag mask ventilation (most of our kids come out extubated) until patients are more awake and able to keep a stable airway. Coming from the floors this was more new for me but you should be up for it! Good luck!

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kiminco nailed it. Adult or child, airway is #1.

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

Coming from a neuro trauma ICU background, would PACU be a suitable change?

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