Wondering if PACU is for me.

[veronica123]

I have been torn every since I started my PACU job. I worked in a inpatient Rehab unit for 2 yrs and absolutely loved it! Times when I thought "I can't believe I get paid to do this." I have been in PACU for 6 months and not loving it. Not sure if it's the job itself or the culture. People do not seem that happy where I am, and it seems to be contagious. I feel that I need to give it another 6 months....because every job is difficult at first. The call makes me very nervous because we are alone in the recovery room--only one nurse comes in. Should i stick it out a full year or just throw in the towel now. Your input would be very much appreciated.

Thank you

V

[BellionRN]

Why did you leave the job you loved?

If you don't love it, I don't see why "sticking it out" will benefit you in anyway way, unless you are using that area as a stepping stone to something else.

Would you be able to go back to your other job?

[veronica123]

I moved to a new town. So I can't go back. I guess I am staying because of the starting over. It's awful and stressful beginning a new job. I wanted a specialty so that in a few years I could do travel nursing. Just hoping it will get better. I have good days and bad...sometimes it seems like more bad. Just don't want to quit and regret not giving it more time. Thought someone who has been in PACU for awhile would have some insight to it improving.

Thx

V

[whichone'spink, BSN, RN]

I find it alarming that when you are on call and are called in, you are the only one in the recovery room. ASPAN standards state you have to have at least 2 ACLS certified nurses in the area you are recovering in. Are you allowed to recover patients in other areas such as ICU, or even on the patient's original floor if they are inpatient?

[veronica123]

I agree, it is alarming and I don't know how they get by with it. No...we don't recover anywhere else. And it doesn't feel safe. Just another reason I don't know if I should stay. I have learned so much in the short time I've been there. But, still feel inexperienced to be alone. Thanks for your response.

[brownbook]

If you don't like your job, apply for a new one (before you quit). But are you really all alone?

As whichone'spink mentioned two ACLS nurses must be in the area? How far away are you from the rest of the hospital? Isn't the anesthesiologist close by in a call room? Isn't the nursing supvevisor, ER staff, ICU staff, cardio, etc. the whole code blue team just the push of a button, down the hallway away?

[veronica123]

You are right-the nursing supervisor, the ER and ICU are close by. If I needed someone, they could be there quickly. Anesthesiologist is there for awhile, then when patient is obviously stable, they leave.

That is my feeling too, that I should get another job before leaving this one...easier to get a job when you have one. Just wish I could make a decision.