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I have 1.5 years of RN experience in critical care in CVICU step down. The first experience was toxic and stressful and now I am currently working in an ambulatory clinic. I desire to go into pacu but Is it likely to be hired with no experience?


December 11th, 2022

This will depend on how desperate the hospital is for staff and what type of hospital it is that you want to be hired. A local community hospital vs a trauma center and the level will make a big difference of the acuity of the patient population.

With this being said be aware that PACU is a two headed horse, 1. You should have critical care experience because in a lot of cases the PACU will be an extension of the ICU, by way of the acuity or overflows. 2. PACU nursing is a specialty within it own confines that encompass ICU skills.

Although CVICU step down gives you some critical care experience however, there is a world of difference from ICU nursing, and the pace is fast - fast- fast with a large turnover of patients that can crash at a drop of a dime, and this is under the best of situations. Not to mention in most PACU they take peds patients which then is another ball of critical care wax to learn and deal with.

Lease,most PACU nurses do not leave their position and you may have to deal with outdated nurses that have close minded strance in that nursing environment.(it is very true nurses eat their young) The best way to combat these types of road block and barriers is by being on your A game with knowledge and skills to handle your patients with the best evidence base optimum care and safety with speed. The turn over is no joke and you never want to back up the OR.

Last, I share this information from the mindset of a 30+ Trauma/ICU/PACU nurse with 7 RN state license one which is compact who have worked in the military and civilian hospital, Staff/Charge Agency/Travel and management. I am not detering you by any means, just be aware of what you will be getting into and have a full understanding of the screen behind the pretty PACU picture it can be a beast.

November 3rd, 2022

Having experience in a CVICU step down will likely be beneficial and taken into consideration for a PACU job.

March 23rd, 2023

Your CVICU experience should be plenty. Most PACU positions I have seen require a year of critical care experience, whether it be ED or ICU. Best of luck!!

March 30th, 2023

Being in the PACU requires being able to be strong clinically with many of the elements you would encounter in an ICU or MICU.
Healthcare is absolutely about stress, that cannot be avoided.
One has to be able to critique oneself and honestly approach our strengths and weaknesses , then work to strengthen aoe weakness at a time.
One has to adapt , i.e. better said as finding a way to reprogram how we will choose to respond to stressors at work.
Consider telemetry, and acute care sites as locations to expand your repertoire.
So our knowledge base, our approach to stress, and an honest appraisal of where we are and the steps needed to get there are part of the path we need to walk.
Peace
Good luck

March 23rd, 2023

Having experience in CVICU gives you an edge. Yes you can be hired. They also train all new employees.

February 6th, 2023

Having ACLS is needed for PACU Sometimes PALS, depending on where you work. Most PACUs will gladly take an ICU nurse!! It’s fast paced, and you need to know what to look for to avoid complications. They will definitely consider a nurse with critical care background before a floor nurse