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The Difference Between PACU and PICU Travel Nursing

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Chloe’ Sizer | November 16th, 2023

PACU and PICU travel nursing are both specialized areas of travel nursing that require additional training and experience. However, there are some key differences between the two.

PACU Travel Nursing

PACU travel nurses work in post-anesthesia care units, where they provide care to patients who are recovering from surgery. PACU nurses monitor patients’ vital signs, breathing, and pain levels. They also provide pain medication and other care to help patients recover comfortably.

PACU travel nurses typically work 12-hour shifts, and they may work rotating shifts. They must be able to work independently and as part of a team. PACU travel nurses must also be able to handle emergency situations.

PICU Travel Nursing

PICU travel nurses work in pediatric intensive care units, where they care for critically ill or injured children. PICU nurses are highly trained to care for children with a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and respiratory problems.

PICU travel nurses typically work 12-hour shifts, and they may work rotating shifts. They must be able to work independently and as part of a team. PICU travel nurses must also be able to handle emergency situations.

Differences between PACU and PICU Travel Nursing

The main difference between PACU and PICU travel nursing is the type of patients that the nurses care for. PACU nurses care for patients who are recovering from surgery, while PICU nurses care for critically ill or injured children.

Another difference between PACU and PICU travel nursing is the level of training and experience required. PICU travel nurses typically require more training and experience than PACU travel nurses. This is because PICU nurses must be able to care for a wider range of conditions and more critical patients.

Which type of travel nursing is right for you?

If you are interested in travel nursing, you should decide which type of nursing is right for you based on your skills, experience, and interests. If you are interested in caring for patients who are recovering from surgery, then PACU travel nursing may be a good fit for you. If you are interested in caring for critically ill or injured children, then PICU travel nursing may be a good fit for you.

No matter which type of travel nursing you choose, you will need to be a highly skilled and experienced nurse. You must also be able to work independently and as part of a team. You must also be able to handle emergency situations.

If you are interested in becoming a PACU or PICU travel nurse, there are a few things you can do to get started:

  • Get the necessary training and experience. PACU travel nurses typically need at least one year of experience working in a PACU. PICU travel nurses typically need at least two years of experience working in a PICU.
  • Get certified in critical care nursing. This certification is not required, but it can make you more competitive in the job market.
  • Network with other travel nurses. This is a great way to learn about travel nursing opportunities and get advice from other nurses.

Once you are ready to start your travel nursing career, you reach out to us! We can help you find travel nursing jobs that match your skills and experience. 🙂 

 

 

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