NVCW

If you have been working in the PACU less than 2 weeks, feeling a bit overwhelmed at times would be normal, just as I would think anyone would have moving to a completely different area. It'll get easier when you have been there a bit longer and get into a routine.

We have the aldrete score posted on the vital signs flowsheet, to assess the aldrete every 15 minutes.

Where I work the pt to nurse ratio for phase II is 3:1, which is one reason I work at a military hospital, better staffing.

I think all shifts should get a siesta break, then maybe those grumpy nurses would not be so grumpy.

I rotate between pre-op, pacu, and phase II. I enjoy pacu the most and work there most of the time, but a week in pre-op or phase II offers a nice change of pace, as there are much fewer critical situations than in pacu.

In terms of scheduling, everyone has different obligations in terms of life outside work, such as family life. But, if after working that shift for a while, you grow tired of it, you could probably switch to a different shift once you have more senority.

When you have a demanding or diffucult to deal with patient, you only have to deal with them for an hour or two, not for the whole shift.

I would notify the surgeon as they would possibly have a different opinion and admit the patient for further monitoring and evaluation.

You wonder how a patient's pain rating can be 10/10 when they are sedated and difficult to arouse.

It would not be logical to waste after every dose, because if that was necessary, we would use an infinite number of vials of fentanyl and dilaudid.

I don't have a particular story. I get satisfaction everyday when I am thanked and appreciated a patient for the care I provided.

In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with chewing gum after eating to combat bad breath, as long as you don't chew obnoxiously.

I would go for the surgery center. It is definitely better than med-surg, and after you've worked there a bit, if you decide you wanted to work in ER or something else, you could transfer there and skip the med-surg.

Thanks, that would be so great! I'm new to allnurses.com so let me know and I can give you the specifics. I just have to ask a few questions regarding concepts of the NP role.

I am currently in my second semester for FNP, attending an school online. I have to write a paper regarding the role of the NP, and include information from an interview. If any NP would be willing to answer a few questions, I would really appreciate it.