New Grad-RN just hired into PACU

[RN*06]

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.

[steelydanfan]

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!

It's actually a certain amount of hours in a required field, ICU.The requirements are also broken down into experience criteria, such as A-lines, S/G, basic arrythmia, hemodynamics and the like. Most of which you won't see as a PACU nurse, since those pt.s generally go straight to ICU.Once you have your CCRN, you can use PACU hours towards your total, but I believe that most PACU nurses would not qualify to sit for the exam.

Now, I will sit back and wait for all the nurses who have other experiences to reply.

[piper_for_hire]

I work ICU and PACU - and I love the PACU. You get a little of everything and they do Trauma/ICU/CCU/PICU holds too. Plus kids. You get everything, but some days you have nothing but appys and hernias all day. Fun job, I think you'll like it.

-S

[RN*06]

Thank you all for your advice and support. In regards to the ICU component.....the PACU floor I am working on is also an ICU (so they say). I have been here for 2 weeks and we get tons on A-lines and all types of monitors. If something is going downhill with a patient anywhere in the hospital, they come to the PACU since it is the highest level of critical care in this hospital. only time will tell how much critcal care there actually is!