switching into PCU

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Specializes in Oncology, Medical/Surgical.

Hey everyone! I am an oncology nurse making a transition into a new full time job in the Progressive Care Unit on the night shift. Any tips or suggestions on how to survive in PCU??

;)

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Specializes in PCU, Hospice, Psych, ICU, Case & Disease Mgmt.

Hey there, I have been working PCU for about 2 years. I work in FL, and we have 6 pts max. this will vary depending on where you live. On our unit we pull sheaths and titrate cardizem. It all depends on your pt to nurse ratio as well.How much orientation are they providing you with?

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Is progressive care the same as critical care? (I'm a curious nursing student).

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PCU is critical care but not ICU level. I started as a PCU nurse and did the same residency as ICU nurses (minus a couple classes).

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PCU is critical care but not ICU level. I started as a PCU nurse and did the same residency as ICU nurses (minus a couple classes).

So would you say PCU is fast paced like ICU? I'm trying to decide on a specialty and I don't think fast paced is for me...

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Depending on the level of the hospital yes it can be fast paced. If you don't want fast paced stay away from critical or the acute care setting in general. Mother/baby was the slowest environment I have seenin the hospital. My gf works there as well and is able to txt me basically all nigh, rarely does any "nursing" skills and gives like 2 drugs....

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Depending on the level of the hospital yes it can be fast paced. If you don't want fast paced stay away from critical or the acute care setting in general. Mother/baby was the slowest environment I have seenin the hospital. My gf works there as well and is able to txt me basically all nigh, rarely does any "nursing" skills and gives like 2 drugs....

I'm sure I'll find my niche. I just don't work well under really fast paced environments. I get nervous. When you say mother/baby you mean labor and delivery right?

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I'm sure I'll find my niche. I just don't work well under really fast paced environments. I get nervous. When you say mother/baby you mean labor and delivery right?

Mother/baby is different than labor and delivery. Mother and baby is postpartum care after birth

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Mother/baby is different than labor and delivery. Mother and baby is postpartum care after birth

Hmm, I understand. Thanks for the clarification. Do you think a "women's surgical unit" would be fast paced? Is that critical or acute care?

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Hmm, I understand. Thanks for the clarification. Do you think a "women's surgical unit" would be fast paced? Is that critical or acute care?

I have never heard of a women's surgical unit but it sounds like a general medical or ortho floor. Those floors are usually fast paced because of the busy work involved not the difficulty or stress. The patient's aren't critically sick but request lots of pain meds and the ratio is generally high 5-6:1 nurse.

I rather be in a busy and tense critical care unit than get floated to med surg....

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Any more advice for someone going into a PCU? I'm also going to be working on a PCU, but on day shifts.

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