Outpatient surgical center or hospital PACU?

[RNduff01]

Hi all!

I currently work in a hospital and have the opportunity to work in the PACU-- 3 12 hour shifts weekly 10am-1030pm. They have an on call schedule and require occasional weekends and holidays. I now have an interview for a smaller outpatient surgical center. Not affiliated with a hospital--but have been around for a while and are quite busy. The pay is much better, and I would not be required to take call, work weekends, or holidays. I would be off everyday at 3pm In theory, it sounds ideal to me however I worry about leaving the hospital setting because I feel like I always have job security here and you never know about smaller private practices. Any insight would be helpful! Thank you!!

[brownbook]

If you don't have a lot of acute care experience and if you and your family won't be unduly affected by the odd hours I would go for the acute care hospital position.

Hopefully, most likely, you can easily get a job in out patient surgery later on. Even see about getting

per diem work in out patient surgery.

[brownbook]

I meant work per diem now while working the acute care job.

[peggster]

If I were in your situation and the pay was better at the out patient setting I would definitely take that and perhaps PRN at acute care hospital. typically in my area out patient centers are highly desirable and are much lower in the pay scale.

[RNduff01]

thank you for the advice! I accepted at the outpatient center. The pay was considerably better (shocked) and I don't think these positions come by often. Also, the hours are great and no call or weekends. I am very excited to start! thanks again!

[peggster]

awesome!!! congratulations!! good luck

[justcuriousrn1]

How do you like the outpatient surgery center position compared to bedside?