Need orientation survival tips

[VAC]

I just left ICU for the PACU after 9 years. At the beginning of the ICU career, I had an orientation from hell that I do not want to repeat, so I'm trying to keep my mouth shut, opinions to myself, and my ears and eyes open.

I'm not sorry I left the ICU. I'm just not really enjoying orientation yet.

I hate being new.

I need encouraging survival tips.

Did I mention I hate being new??

[ThinknBoutTomorrow]

Thank you so much, I have totally felt like a fish out of water. I have bought a very helpful book and have been studying also. It does make it difficult to be studying and trying to take care of these patients at the same time. I do work with two other very good nurses, that try and help me and answer all my questions, but the director part of me comes out and I see some changes in standards that need to be made for us to give safe care, such as functioning monitors, and they have gotten so use to working without the support they need that I feel like I'm speaking greek but I just take it one step at a time. I've got a two yr. contract at this facility and have just moved to this area, and really want things to work out so I'm giving it my best shot. Thank you again for your response!

[yecart1]

Question: Does your hospital have PACU nurses on call? Or do the OR nurses recover pts after hours/on call on the weekends?

We as PACU take call. My sister in law said their hospital has the OR nurses recover the pts and the PACU nurses never take call.

Just wondering.

I'm glad that this forum is here. What books are good for new PACU orientees?

[ativanni]

You will feel a bit out of it because the skills are different in some ways. Believe me, a few months from now you will wonder why you worked ICU as long as you did. Give it time, you will fit in.

[tezabee]

hi guys! I'm as novice as I could get...I'm just about to start in PACU on Wednesday. This is my first ever hospital experience after college (last year :)). Long story but yes, I'll undergo the same experiences that you've had. scarry!!! help please? :) what can i expect?!