schmatah

In my opinion, a good 5 years experience is needed for PACU staff. For CRNA, you should consider CSU for experience to get used to Swan Ganz catheters. The issue with PACU is that you have to be very familiar with all aspects of critical care because problems do arise and you have to fix them quickly. You cant sit around wondering whats wrong. Nurses I've met who work PACU with ER or outpatient experience really are lacking in acute situations.

The best thing about being on call in PACU is that I am sitting at home typing messages and getting paid for it!:rotfl:

whoooah, I work in PACU in FL. All staff are ACLS and PALS certified. We have at least 2 RNs at all times in PACU. If a patient is unconcious or has an airway in place, we 1:1 them until they can manage their airway. We 1:1 all icu patients. The RN stays at the bedside. Our anesthesiologists are available at all times. They have one in charge so he is free to troubleshoot any issues. We just hail them by walkie talkie and they come in seconds. We are abusy unit, averaging 400 cases a month. Our manager demands a high standard. She does not tolerate anything less than excellent service management to patients visitors and doctors (even the asses!)I work hard but go home feeling like I have done a good days work.It is possible.