PACU Question

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Hello All!

I am a first year nursing student working towards my BSN. I have always wanted to work in PACU and I know when I graduate I will not be able to go straight into PACU. I was wondering what part of the hospital would be a good place to start and get experience? I am only a first year so I am unsure if anyone would hire me right now for the summer.

Thank you all in advanced! :)

Chantale

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

ICU...then PACU.

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ICU is always a good place to start out. Especially if you want to do PACU. Some ICUs accept patients straight from the OR instead of the patient going to PACU.

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Specializes in ER, Step-Down.

I was offered a position in the PACU as a new grad - two of my classmates accepted their offers (I chose another path). So, there is a chance you could still do PACU as a new grad, depends on how the hospital is set up.

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.
I was offered a position in the PACU as a new grad - two of my classmates accepted their offers (I chose another path). So, there is a chance you could still do PACU as a new grad, depends on how the hospital is set up.

Not in my hospital.

We have very, very sick patients and we are extremely independent in our roles.

New grads couldn't hack it.

Maybe in an outpatient area where they only do moderate sedation.

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Specializes in Critical Care,Recovery, ED.

Definitely a critical care area with emphasis on surgical patients.

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Surgical ICU would be an excellent start if you can get a position there.

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