brandyo123

I worked for 4 years as a float in a periop unit. I did mostly GI lab, but also floated to pre-op, post-op and PACU. The hospital I worked at is smaller, so the stress level generally wasn't as high. We didn't do major cases like hearts, neuro, etc. That being said, nothing is ever 100%, and any case can go badly very quickly in PACU. When you're by yourself or with one other nurse in the middle of night and things go badly, it can be scary. Really, comparing PACU and the floor is like comparing apples and oranges. PACU is a completely different kind of nursing with its own quirks and drawbacks. For me the hardest things were staffing, taking call, and hours. It always felt like it was either feast or famine -- working 16 hour days or getting called off. And since the unit was census based, we weren't staffed until the day before for the next day, meaning I had no idea what time I was going to work the next day until about 4pm the day before. Sometimes they would staff me to come in at 0530, other days not until 1200. Being on call really does wear on you -- especially if the unit is short-staffed like ours was, then you most likely would be expected to pick up extra call. If you don't have a family and are looking for extra money, call is definitely a good option. Whatever you decide I would encourage you to research it very well. Ask to shadow several shifts in the unit before you make your decision. Good luck to you!

I worked for 4 years in a busy out/inpatient endo unit in a hospital, and I loved it. Endoscopy is truly an interesting field, and I think you will get out what you put in. There is a lot to learn, and the field changes a lot. I was also able to become a float in the department, after I learned pre-op, post-op and PACU, and gained more valuable skills that way. I do think that if you haven't already, you should definitely research the unit and figure out what they're really all about (i.e.: hours, holidays, etc.). I ended up leaving endo recently for all the reasons you seem to think you'll be leaving behind in the ER: non-stop politics, horrible hours, crappy management, incompetent physicians, etc. The endo unit was supposed to be 4 10-hour shifts, but we were chronically understaffed and had to take call, so I was frequently putting in 14-16 hour days. Also, since the schedule was solely census based, we were staffed daily -- meaning I didn't know what time I was coming to work the next day until the previous afternoon/evening. I could be staffed at 0530, or not until 1200. That kind of work environment was not conducive to a happy life, so I got out. The 3 12-hour shifts without call that I work now are such a welcome change! As for being "clique-y," you have to learn to work really closely with your co-workers and be part of a team. If one member of the team fails, literally you all fail. You depend on one another to make the unit flow smoothly. I also think endo nursing is very unique, and a type of nursing that you can only understand after you enter the field, so that may also contribute to what people perceive as "clique-y." I know that not all endo units are as dysfunctional as mine was -- I would just encourage you ask as many questions as possible before you commit! Definitely shadow there also. Good luck to you!