PACU nursing

Is anyone work in PACU? I have an opportunity to have my internship but don't know much about it. Would you recommend a new-grad to start in PACU?

How long patients stay in your unit? What is the patient/nurse ratio? Do you have to use portable X-ray machines often in your unit?

Thanks

No, I do not recommend that a new grad start in PACU. Some of the patients there are going to do just fine, some are going to go bad on you very quickly. I don't know a PACU nurse who does not have an ICU background. Well, a few that had ER backgrounds, but ICU experience is closer. (Not slamming ER nurses, just saying the focus is different with some crossover.) You really need that critical care judgement and confidence to deal with airway and blood pressure emergencies on your own. Most PACUs will have you take call- you'll be in the PACU alone with a patient if you get called in. You need to have some experience under your belt first.

Patients stay in PACU anywhere from 1 hour to DAYS. Some patients go home from PACU. Some sit there for hours or yes, even days (or until discharge) waiting for floor and ICU beds. Staying in PACU overnight means either a poorly managed or very overcrowded hospital.

Usual ratio is 1:2, except for peds where ratios are usually 1:1 for the first hour. Portable xrays are a common occurence in the PACU- but Xray comes up and does them- you may help position the patient but you won't be taking the actual xray.

Absolutely do NOT work in PACU until having a couple of years ICU.

Why is it that ppl arent willing to pay their dues to be a good nurse?

Go to the floor and work there a year, or straight to ICU if they have a decent new grad program. Even then there is no substitute for having been on the floor and you'll know why if you do it.

Its like having served in the infantry before going into Special Forces or a cush support job-

Thanks for your responses. I posted my message before actually seing what the PACU is about. After I had some exposure to it I see what you mean.