New PACU nurse feeling down

Nurses General Nursing

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I have been a nurse for the past five years. I started working in CVICU for 2 years and then took a office nurse position due to moving. I was recently laid off from work and am now back at the hospital doing PACU nursing.

I have to say that going back to the hospital (after not being in it for two years) was pretty intimidating for me. I have been giving it my all (bringing home study materials) and working as hard as I can. I got my first review back and it said that I operated like a new graduate. It also said that I tire easily, do not seem happy to be on the unit, and that I stand and watch everyone with my hands behind my back.

Needless to say, I was crushed! It did not have one positive piece of information in it and left my confidence feeling rather shattered. I recognize that this is a fast paced environment and wonder if I will ever get the hang of it. I guess perhaps I could use some encouragement and would love to hear anyone who has had a similar experience and how they have dealt with it.

I want this job to work and lord knows with this economy and having two kids it would be horrible to have to look again. Please help this very discouraged nurse!!!

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Hi,

I am a PACU nurse and I think that was a little harsh of them to tell you. They are looking through one set of eyes, and you, through another. How long have you been on orientation? How is your preceptorship going? How intimidating is the environment?

People think that PACU is an easy area to work Quite the contrary--you have to be on your toes from the start. There is a HUGE learning curve for everyone--especially with the use of narcotics to NON-VENTED patients. Working CVICU helps--but in your case, you need a refresher.

I would look into joining ASPAN (aspan.org) and getting into PACU mode. Yes, it is fast--and yes, you have to learn to keep up. I would definitely have a talk with the PTB and see exactly where "they" think you need improvement.

If you want, you can pm me with your email address and I'll try and guide you.

Best of luck,

Jo

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Tele, DOU.

Hang in there. That is a tough place to work. Take the above poster up on his/her advice. They will probably be able to guide you through.

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Specializes in Tele, Acute.

Please hang in there, use the advise above.

Best of Luck to you.:redbeathe

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I'm in a similar situation, just returning to stepdown after 18 months away from the hospital. I sure hope my preceptor and manager will be more understanding and supportive than yours obviously are....

Best of luck to you, I hope it will get better soon.

DeLana

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Hi everyone,

I appreciate all of your kind words. I found out tonight that the person who had my position previously was not on the unit for very long. I am wondering if this is just how they treat new people and if it is just going to take some time for me to be accepted on the unit. I will keep trying and let you all know how things go.

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Thank you Jo...I will look into ASPAN. I will let you know what happens at my next review.

I agree...recovering non-vented patients is a whole new ball game. I had never given fentanyl before coming to this unit. Patient's that I had had dexamethasone gtts, morphine IVP, toradol, and marcaine pumps. I didn't have to worry about depressing their respiratory drive. I could let them wake up slowly and then when they were doing well have them extubated.

I see quite the variety of patients now in PACU. In CCU, it was all about the heart. Even just learning what to chart per specific patient has taken me some time to learn.

Again, I appreciate your help and will keep you posted.

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.
Thank you Jo...I will look into ASPAN. I will let you know what happens at my next review.

I agree...recovering non-vented patients is a whole new ball game. I had never given fentanyl before coming to this unit. Patient's that I had had dexamethasone gtts, morphine IVP, toradol, and marcaine pumps. I didn't have to worry about depressing their respiratory drive. I could let them wake up slowly and then when they were doing well have them extubated.

I see quite the variety of patients now in PACU. In CCU, it was all about the heart. Even just learning what to chart per specific patient has taken me some time to learn.

Again, I appreciate your help and will keep you posted.

Good Luck and yes, please keep us posted!

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it may be that nurses eating thier young thing.....

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