Well, I was told that I would get orientated to the PACU, the Outpt. surgery department, and the position itself. Plus, I do have experience sending patients to surgery, and receiving them back from surgery, as the unit that I work on is primarily surgery patients.
I'll probably just send her a thank you card for the interview, and then hope for the best. I didn't figure that anyone else currently in the surgery department was applying for the job, since the manager has gone to so much trouble to interview me and also several outside applicants. In my hospital, I believe that the manager of each department does have the option of hiring within the department without conducting interviews, if someone within the department expresses interest in the position, pretty early on.
Also, the person who currently has the job was an OB nurse, for a long time.
If I don't get the job, I don't get it. *shrug* I do feel like I have a clearer view now of the type of job that I'm looking for, so I think I will start looking around at other area hospitals. I really hate to leave the one that I'm currently at, but perhaps they will be able to keep me on a PRN basis, if I do leave. I think I would like to have a job in an outpatient surgery department, or even a job as a PACU or OR nurse. I just would really like to have day shift. I can't remember if I mentioned this in my other post, but our surgical department does also have a full time PACU and a full time OR position open. I wouldn't mind those jobs at all, except the hours are 11a-7:30 pm. Sorry, but those hours bite, especially since I have both a toddler, and a hobby doing community theater in the evenings.
Okay, another question...
After I made that last post, I did a little thinking. I'm really trying to find my niche, and I think that surgical nursing, whether in the PACU, OR, or OPS, might be it. Having said that, I've come to two conclusions:
1) It would really be in my best interest to try to stay with this hospital, for now. I have a good reputation there.
2) It may really be a good idea to try to get a job starting out WHEREVER I can. Like I said, I hate the idea of working 11a-7:30 pm, but if that's where I would have to start out... so be it.
So... when I did my interview, I think I expressed to the manager that the PAT position WAS the primary position that I was interested in, but I think I did also at least mention that I might be interested in the other two positions. So, I kinda wonder if she WILL go ahead and consider me for one of the other two positions, of if I should perhaps contact her either by phone or email, and say, first of all, thank you for the interview =), and then go on to ask if she would please consider me for one of those positions. Explain that I would like to give surgical nursing a try and that I would like to start wherever and however I can.
What do you think? And yes, I know I should have thought about all of this before the interview, but I honestly did not know how many positions she had available before the interview. She explained the openings to me during the interview.
26,410 Posts
I would suggest going for the PACU position, or expressing a wish for that type of position. Just because you get an orientation to PACU, it isn't going to give you the skills to fully function in there, especially when you will need to orient to other areas as well. I can't see them giving you a six month orientation for this type of position. Or even a three month. They are expecting you to have the skills and just orient you to specifics.
For PACU, you will ned to learn the monitors and know them well, and anesthesia drugs used in OR and their different precautions. Extubation of a patient, as well as bagging a patient................with ICU skills already under your belt this would be much easier, but without, it is just a whole other world.
Sending patients to surgery and getting them back after surgery is extremely different from the position that you are looking at. Perhaps you can shadow someone for a day or two, and see what it is really like. Also, shadow someone in PACU as well as OP Surgery.
Hope that this helps.................
1,378 Posts
Okay, another question...After I made that last post, I did a little thinking. I'm really trying to find my niche, and I think that surgical nursing, whether in the PACU, OR, or OPS, might be it. Having said that, I've come to two conclusions:
1) It would really be in my best interest to try to stay with this hospital, for now. I have a good reputation there.
2) It may really be a good idea to try to get a job starting out WHEREVER I can. Like I said, I hate the idea of working 11a-7:30 pm, but if that's where I would have to start out... so be it.
So... when I did my interview, I think I expressed to the manager that the PAT position WAS the primary position that I was interested in, but I think I did also at least mention that I might be interested in the other two positions. So, I kinda wonder if she WILL go ahead and consider me for one of the other two positions, of if I should perhaps contact her either by phone or email, and say, first of all, thank you for the interview =), and then go on to ask if she would please consider me for one of those positions. Explain that I would like to give surgical nursing a try and that I would like to start wherever and however I can.
What do you think? And yes, I know I should have thought about all of this before the interview, but I honestly did not know how many positions she had available before the interview. She explained the openings to me during the interview.
11a-7:30p is my dream job! Those are great hours!!
1,987 Posts
Hey RNW,
Although I don't have much to say about how to go about in getting this job, I just wish you the very best of luck. It sounds like a great place for you and would meet your needs.
Just a note to say that I'm rooting for you, and such a unit would be lucky to have you!!
BTW, I'm DC Ten from ISCA and I've read posts by you there.
I REALLY hope that you get the job and I wish that I could be of more help! :)
1,711 Posts
suzanne4, RN
26,410 Posts
P.A.T stands for "Pre-Admission Testing"--
It is going to come down to who else has applied for the position. To say that you will "help out" in the PACU, means that you will be expected have experience in this area. If you have already applied, the letter of recommendation will be of no help.............It should be sent at the same time, but this type of position that usually will go to someone already working in the surgical area of the hospital or even from the Emergency Dept..............one that wants the better hours, as you call it. They are very familiar with what the anesthesiologists want, and can pick up on subtle problems going on that may prevent this patient from having surgery at this time.
Sorry that this isn't what you want to hear.....but I would suggest getting experience in something related to surgery first for a position like this. It will put you in a much better light..........and more helpful for the job. A BSN is not a requirement for this type of position, but experience is.