ICU to PACU, education & training ineeded?

[pickledpepperRN]

I have recovered only open heart patients in the critical care unit. The surgeon or physicians assistant, anesthesiologist or respiratory therapist are always in the unit the first hour or two. Often we have a cardiologist and pulmonologist too. Most patients do well and are extubated 2 to 4 hours post op.

The question is with regards to an ICU nurse who wants to work in the PACU (not me).

What must she learn to be safe?

Anesthesia agents and so on.

What about an adult nurse recovering kids?

Can you recommend a specialty organization and or book to give her a head start and advice?

Our PACU nurses are wonderful but they do too much overtime and there are openings.

Hope someone can direct me.

[sharann, BSN, RN]

Try http://www.aspan.org for starters. This is the professional org of PACU and Perianesthesia nursing. They have info there. This forum is not too active I have noticed, so I wanted to give you this info ASAP. This RN should take PALS to learn the protocols for the kiddos.

[pickledpepperRN]

THANK YOU!

[nowplayingEDRN]

Originally posted by sharann

Try http://www.aspan.org for starters. This is the professional org of PACU and Perianesthesia nursing. They have info there. This forum is not too active I have noticed, so I wanted to give you this info ASAP. This RN should take PALS to learn the protocols for the kiddos.

What sharann said and arrange for a thorough cross-orientation to the PACU so that the nurse can become familiar with the SOPs and procedures of PACU.