New Grad-RN just hired into PACU

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Hi there,

I was suprised to find that there is no little PACU thread going out there:) I just passed my NCLEX last week, and got a job starting september in the PACU. I was advised of the med-surg in college, the same as everyone else. But I LOVE critical care and knew that it was where I needed to be. I have a six month orientation, a full month in the classroom, and couldn't be more excited. Any words from the wise?? What are the most challenging aspects of the PACU, how can I mentally prepare myself for them? What attitude should I take as a new grad on such a challenging floor? I'm worried about coming off as either too aggressive or too passive. Anyway, let me know if your out there:) I would greatly appreciate it.

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I think you will love recovery. I have been working it for a year now after working in long term care for 13 years. If I can adjust, anyone can!!! I was really apprehensive about extubating patients, but as it turns out, it is the easy part. I would make sure that you truly empathathize with your patients reports of pain. Start asking as soon as they start to rouse and medicate as often as possible without desaturating or dropping the BP. Making sure that you do this will help in a shorter PACU stay and a happier patient. Good luck...you will love it.

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Thanks for your comments - that is very comforting to hear. The extubating part is also bothering me the most! I just can't imagine being responsible for the possible complications of it.....The hospital offers an amzing orientation and that is what calms my fears. I will be in the classroom about 3 months before stepping foot on the floor. We have the option of taking the ccrn after all the classes, which I am hoping to do. Thanks again for the encouraging words:)

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Specializes in PACU/GI/CDIS??.

i also have just been hired into pacu, probably wont start for about a month but would love to hear your experiences (RN06) starting out if you have already..... thanx ;)

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I will be in the classroom about 3 months before stepping foot on the floor. We have the option of taking the ccrn after all the classes, which I am hoping to do.

You mean after the roughly 2 years of bedside nursing that is required to sit for CCRN?

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it's actually a certain amount of hours, such which usually takes within a year working full time. It just needs to be a certain amount of hours within 2 yrs. I was wrong about after the classes, big time - sorry bout that:) sea tracer, i haven't started yet! September 11th.... (great first day eh). i'll keep you posted!

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The CPAN would be more appropriate of a certification for a PACU RN, even though we handle all critical care patients. A CCRN is nice but your specialty is post anesthsia recovery right? You need a certain 3 of hours within a 3 of years for the CPAN as well. I also want to say congratulations on the job and oppurtunity. I love PACU after 5 years I don't know what else I'd rather do. It is a strange place but alot of fun andf stress in one package. Just always ask questions!

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Thank you for the advice! I have a lot to learn before that time comes. Just coming out of school, it was hard to have no "goal" in sight academically. I guess its reality shock:) In fact it definately is heheh

I'm very excited to start facing reality though- I start next Monday. thanks for the comments!

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Specializes in PACU/GI/CDIS??.

I wish you the very best of luck *06... i will be starting PACU also in about 3 weeks.... very interesting and exciting...but scary as hell too... of course! :) keep me posted... you will be great.

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Specializes in PACU, ICU, CCU.

Hi,

When I graduated from nursing school many years ago, I also was encouraged work in med-surg for at least a year. Instead I went straight into critical care, and have never regretted my decision since. There are challenges everywhere, yet I think you will really like PACU nursing. I have never worked med-surg because, like you, I knew the areas I wanted to work in. I feel so fortunate that because of my decisions and choices of where to work, after 23 years I still truly love nursing and the continual challenges and joys of my job. Best of luck to you

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Specializes in Postpartum, Antepartum, Psych., SDS, OR.

I worked in surgery for several years and will graduate from nursing school May 07. After doing the floor nurse job and a trip through surgery-that brought me back to PACU, I like it! I am very interested! It is great to read your opinions and excitement of new jobs at hand.

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PACU encompasses SOME of the skills necessary in Critical Care, but I would argue that a PACU nurse might find the CCRN exam a bit much.

You might want to think about the speciality exams offered by AORN.

More relevant to your chosen field.

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