Stress associated with PACU or NICU

[Apple437]

Hi,

I'm a nursing student graduating this December. I have not decided if I want to work at a PACU nurse or NICU nurse. I am concerned that the stress would be hard for a new GN in these critical areas. If anyone has any suggestions or advice at which area you think would be more stressful I'd appreciate it.

[sjrn85]

I wouldn't recommend PACU to a new grad. You really should have your basics down first before going into that area, and preferably some critical care experience. It's not really an area that lends itself to newbies.

You'll have a lot more to bring to the table if you get some experience (at least two years) first. To be honest, I haven't even seen many PACU jobs that are open to new grads, and I'd have to wonder about any PACU that would actively recruit grads. That would seem like a big red flag to me, as this area tends to be very competetive when it comes to job openings.

[RN34TX]

I've never heard of PACU hiring new grads nor would I recommend it to one if there were openings to new grads.

My hospital's NICU does hire new grads for internships twice per year, I'm not sure how common that is in other hospitals.

PACU's generally look for folks with ICU experience.

[brina]

All of the hospitals in my area will not hire new graduates in the PACU. You have to have at least 2 yrs experience in the ER or critical care before you work in the PACU. All of the hospitals however, will hire new grads in the NICU. Congrats on your December graduation, I will be graduating too on Dec. 16th. Good luck!

[sharann, BSN, RN]

As a new grad I would choose NICU.Neonates are a different species and even experienced RNs need special training in NICU. Its also easier on your back ha ha. As a PACU nurse ,NICU scares me!