nmar23

Hi, I started as a new grad in the OR and then transitioned over to pre-op/PACU. I've been working in perioperative services over three years and really love it. Don't let anybody tell you that you need floor experience or med-surg experience before starting in these areas. Will you have to work harder? Yes, but it's totally doable if you are willing to learn. The book I recommend for OR nursing is called Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery. For pre-op/PACU I recommend Drain's Perianesthesia Nursing. Most common medications in the OR that we use are local anesthestics (bupivicane/marcaine) and optiray (contrast agent). For both OR/pre-op/PACU I would be familiar with the drugs used for intubation: inhalation gases (ex: sevoflurane), paralytics - both short and long acting (succinylcholine and rocuronium for example), propofol, glycopyrrolate, neostigmine (this is just a list to get you started). In pre-op commonly given medications are: emend, pepcid, versed, scopolamine, antibiotics (ancef, clindamycin, vancomycin) and pain medications. Common drugs in PACU: opioids (fentanyl, dilaudid, percocet, norco, oxycontin, morphine etc), ketamine, benzodiazepines, demerol, zofran, reglan, benedryl. I would also brush up on common antihypertensive medications: think betablockers, and hydralazine for example. I would also be familiar with the reversal for opioids (narcan) and benzos (romazicon). I know this is a long list.. try and remember that these are things you will learn on the job as well - no need to study them to death now, but may help to be familiar with some. In PACU your main focus will be on airway management and pain control. No, pain is unfortunately not always controlled. In your orientation you will learn how to manage airways (chin lifts, oral airways, nasal airways, bagging a patient, preparing for re-intubation, etc). You will do great! You have a lot to learn, but it is do-able - stay positive and take lots of notes! Remember, all physicians have a different way of doing things. Good luck!!!