I just wanted to ask you PACU nurses your opinion. When I graduated I worked for a year on a Med/Surg floor, then transferred to the ER and worked there for a little over a year. It became very unsafe in my ER with low staffing, and with the birth of my son I wanted to work days, less weekends and holidays so I transferred into an OR nurse training program 9 months ago. I don't necessarily dislike the OR. But I don't see myself there in 5 years. I can't stand the surgeons and I miss patient contact, giving meds, taking vitals, all the basic nursing skills. Before I moved into the OR I had thought about the PACU, but there were no job openings. I'm afraid that if I stay here too long, I'll lose my skills and no PACU would take me. At the same time, I haven't even worked here a year and would like to give them more time. Do you think that since I have worked in the ER, a PACU would consider me even if I worked in the OR for 2 years? Or maybe I should try to pick up a few hours in my ER just so the PACU could see that I was continuing with my critical care skills? I'm not looking to make any sudden job changes, but it's something that's been on my mind lately. Thanks!
