PACU Travel Shifts?

[RN>20yr]

Hi All

I love my 12 hr shifts. Something about having more days off than on appeals to me .

Having worked Adult CVICU and PICU I am used to 12 hr shifts.

I have also worked as a traveler in the PICU (not my favorite) and those were 12 hrs also.

I am beginning a new (per diem) job in the PACU and would like to start traveling again next year. PACU shifts are such a mismash-I'm wondering what its like out there for travelers.

Can you get 12 hr assignments? Do you have to take call?

Lastly do you like it?

As a PICU traveler it seems like you get a lot of the chronics and difficult families.

[NedRN]

Not a PACU nurse, but yes, 12 hour shifts are available, and call requirements are common. Same deal for OR nurses (which I am). The majority of surgeries are outpatient, so it is fairly unlikely to get a repeat customer. You don't have to deal with families until your patient is really ready for transfer.

Your ICU skills already qualify you for PACU travel, so you don't need the full two years in a specialty that is normally recommended. You can go as soon as you feel comfortable. However, a full year will make you more marketable for travel assignments.