PACU opportunity...need advice

[OldITgeek]

Hi nurses!

OK...so I got a call from a private hospital that I have interviewed with before, and have kept in touch with. Their DON is rediculously intelligent, passionate about her work, and driven. (would be amazing to work for) She basically offered me either a full-time or part-time (per diem) position over the phone. I currently work LPN float at one hospital (part time) and have a Tues/Thurs gig (also part time) at another small, community hospital. Obviously something would have to give. She essentially told me to dump my Tu/Th position, and come to work for her per diem. (more hours, better $$$)

My question is: I do not have any PACU experience...what are the benefits/drawbacks of working in a recovery environment? I eventually want to work in ICU/CCU, and am thinking that this position would be almost too good to pass up as far as "resume material" goes...

For you PACU nurses...what are the best and worse aspects of the job? Would you do it over again?

Thanks!

[brownbook]

Not exactly answering your question but.....what you can do as an LPN? Can you give IV drugs?

PACU is a great place to work. Most PACU's require ACLS and PALS if they do children.

Some posts about working PACU will discourage you. A large busy, PACU will have patients on VENTs, central/cardiac lines and drips, you will be hanging blood, etc. The same intensity or even more so as a ICU/CCU.

How difficult working PACU is depends A LOT on what type of surgeries the OR usually does.

[OldITgeek]

brownbook,

As a LPN, I do start IV's, administer IV meds, PCA, etc as long as it is through a pump. Can't do IV pushes (MS, Dilaudid), nor can I do anything but flush PICCs/ports.

I believe there are some facilities that allow for LPNs to push IV meds, but there is an additional certification/training that is required. Traditionally it is out of our scope of practice.

I am meeting today with the DON, and should get some more details.

Thanks for the info.

[GHGoonette, BSN, RN]

brownbook,

As a LPN, I do start IV's, administer IV meds, PCA, etc as long as it is through a pump. Can't do IV pushes (MS, Dilaudid), nor can I do anything but flush PICCs/ports.

I believe there are some facilities that allow for LPNs to push IV meds, but there is an additional certification/training that is required. Traditionally it is out of our scope of practice.

I am meeting today with the DON, and should get some more details.

Thanks for the info.

I see you posted this two days ago. I hope you asked that vital question - can they put you through that additional training?

One important point; the value of a good manager is above rubies. I'd be strongly inclined to take it if the DON is as good as you describe.