What path does one take to work in PACU?

[AZO49008]

I'm currently a 1st year ADN-RN student with somewhat of an interest in possibly working in PACU. I currently work as a phlebotomist in a large hospital and sometimes have to go draw labs in PACU. It seems an interesting place to work. I've talked to some of the RNs as time has allowed and they all seem to like it.

Reasons it appeals to me:

1) It's quiet, calm, and ordered. I'm sure there are times it gets hectic and crazy, but it just strikes me as an intense but quiet place to work.

2) It's a form of critical care

3) You see a lot of patients with different levels of care required

4) You're helping patients at a time when they are at one of the most vulnerable periods of their medical care.

Provided my interest remains in working in PACU as I progress through school and the initial part of my career, what sorts of opportunities and paths should I avail myself to if I wish to pursue an eventual career in the PACU?

Thanks!

[rn2bn07, BSN, RN]

I work in a large city level one trauma hospital and in our PACU, nurses are required to have at least one year of critical care experience, preferably ICU. In our PACU you will see pt's with vasopressors, vents, and arterial lines, and swanz...these are things you only see in the units. The PACU is my goal after I get my experience in the unit, I worked there as a tech and I loved it pre and post op. Mostly all the nurses I have talked to there seemed to love it there also. Good luck

[CaliRN29]

Our PACU is only quiet and peaceful once and awhile! Our manager requires that our nurses have ICU or ED experience. I think ED experience is good because you get used to moving patients in and out quickly and ICU is great because you get used to drips, vents, etc. It is fun at times and very stressful at times ... go for it!