What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a PCU Nurse

[@arlenelinettechavez-martin5394]

PCU is a very challenging unit. I started there fresh out of nursing school. I learned so much!

[@PopRock26]

I'm about to do this next month! Nervous and excited XD

[@ianpaulodelarosa1494]

Mines in a week ugh

[@patriciaubri4329]

I have been a nurse for 3 months and i am currently being trained for PCU on a floor that is for Trauma patients. I am terrified but eager to learn. Please share some survival tips!! thank you

[@whithart9874]

I am an 8 year LPN/brand new RN starting my first RN job on a PCU in 2 weeks! I chose it for the available day shift and the learning opportunity but was kinda bumming over not doing ED right away, afraid I might be bored... ummm sounds like I won't be bored at all! Your perspective helped get me super psyched about my new gig! TYVM ❤ Subscribed.

[@laurenhills239]

Update??

[@whithart9874]

@@laurenhills239 oh man, I'll be totally honest. I'm simultaneously busy as hell and bored to tears. Hate to say it but if you're ADHD like me and thrive on stimulation, PCU ain't it. I'm stuck now for at least 6 months to a year. I'm hoping it'll grow on me but so far I'm not happy. I will say that my coworkers and manager are phenomenal! That's the only saving grace I have right now but working with good people helps a lot, so it's something.

[@laurenhills239]

Whit Hart What floor(s) did you work on prior to PCU? Boring in what way? I don’t think I’m really a thrill seeker, I just want something more predictable & where I can get a routine. I don’t mind codes & rapid responses as long as I have back up. Yeah it definitely sounds like you would do better in the ED.

[@whithart9874]

@@laurenhills239 I'm coming from 3 years in psych so this is really slow for me! Lol. I abhor routine. 😅😅 You can definitely establish a routine of sorts in PCU so long as you understand that there are always interruptions and can find a way to work around them.

[@laurenhills239]

Whit Hart Oh wow. Yeah Psych would definitely keep you busy. Yeah I might look into med surg first, then move up to PCU, then up to ICU. Not sure yet.

[@bebeerin]

im a tech at a hospital which has allowed me to work in all the different units so i've definitely seen how pcu sucks especially bc the pcu doesn't have all the resources that the icu has but pcu patients can easily change acuity and suddenly require the care and equipment that icu patients need. not only that but pcu nurses have more patients to care for than icu nurses. i can def see why they get nurses into contracts especially new grads not fully knowing what they're getting themselves into and then they can't quit. that's honestly bordering on unethical if they didn't even mention the contract or terms until after you had accepted the position and were in orientation. if i end up going to nursing school i will def keep this mind when applying for nursing positions

[@bhc0310]

I’m a nurse as well! I worked night shift MICU right out of school but I now work from home for an insurance company. Love your channel, just subscribed! ❤️

[@PriscillaDesiree]

Thank you! I just checked out your channel and subscribed! Can't wait to see more videos

[@laurenashley7900]

Brooke Hyacinth how is it going working for an insurance company as a nurse? I’m currently working on a tele floor as a new grad and it’s the most stressful thing I’ve ever done. I’m considering other options

[@anjali4422]

Lauren Ashley hi lauren , just wondering hiws the tele job now , i just got hired to this express unit in carfiac , as a new new nurse wondering how its going to be

[@CinemaDoll137]

How is the WFH job as a nurse? How long did you do bedside before going into it? That sounds so peaceful 😭😭😭

[@AA-td1yw]

@@CinemaDoll137 Wait till your preggo, disabled, or old to WFH

[@ricodeguzman5338]

Thanks for sharing your experiences working PCU. I just accepted a GN position for a hospital. It was a choice between ortho trauma and multisystem PCU. I went with the latter for reasons that I think will benefit me more, exposure-wise. I’m also under contract but luckily, we have the option to do lateral/internal transfers to other units or hospitals if we wish. 🙂

[@cozetteeastman1952]

Ive been an ER nurse for 1 year and now moving into the PCU to increase knowledge of disease process and management for DNP school. I'm so freaking exciting to continue in critical care but in a much different environment.

[@lenaabraham3522]

I'm also an ED nurse for 3 years and just took a job on a cardiac pcu unit. I'm in school for NP and I feel I need the experience to learn the disease processes even though I did learn a lot in ED. I'm in the same boat as you...want to continue the fast paced, critical care but in a different environment :)

[@Prena77]

Hi, update? How was it working in the ED? I’m looking to get a job in the Er but I’m a new nurse, what do you think?

[@layray210]

I work medsurg and my phone rings off. The. Hook. Even tho I work nights it goes off all the time.

[@criticizingbitch]

Can you do a video on how you’ve been able to overcome your shyness overtime from nursing school to your new job? I see some similarities between us and I’m currently completing prereqs to apply for nursing school but I sometimes have doubts.. thank you!

[@CinemaDoll137]

You slowly get better at putting on a performance. You can get started by working as a tech during nursing school. I'm still very shy and introverted. Sometimes, I connect with a patient, develop a rapport, and can carry on a convo. But, otherwise, I'm still very quiet.

[@afox9000]

It comes with the territory, usually the thing you are most worried about is the least important and after a few times you get comfortable. You have to step out of the comfort zone to grow.

[@tiffanybarker20]

We institute a patient spokesperson and only speak to that family member. They still call but I tell them to speak with so and so the patients spokesperson. It’s the best

[@ches95ramos]

Just got hired for PCU where I'll be crosstrained for SICU as well. I'm a new grad nurse. Everyone I've asked says they learn so much from PCU. They always tell me you learn how to multitask like a medsurg nurse, and become a better critical thinker like an ICU nurse. I'll be training in medsurg for a couple of months! I'm so excited!

[@ches95ramos]

@@jmartinez2ification extremely excited to start!

[@kathleenannbedea3781]

Thank you for this video. I am coming from OR to PCU right now. I just needed to be able to pick up hours with no problems but this is a good input to keep in mind 😊

[@lesliemiguel8569]

I start my residency in a pulmonary and thoracic surgery PCU in two months and I am so nervous! Thank you for a little insight!

[@mariangely9546]

The phone!!! 😭 *why i won’t go back to day shift* 😛

[@PriscillaDesiree]

LOL for real! Why I contemplate changing to night shift some days!

[@PrycelessKhadii]

Hey I’m starting a pcu unit in a couple of weeks... what are things should I go over before starting? I’m super nervous and don’t know where to start

[@nichelle6544]

You described my unit which is PCU Telemetry to the tee!!! I'm late in seeing this video but thanks for making it. :)

[@ALYFFAMAE]

Had a hard time finding a hospital job back in my home state for a year and half. I did covid vax clinics in the mean time. Thought it was time to get into critical care, so I decided to move to a new state. Got a job in the PCU and I start in February! Praying I do well 😭

[@Jaydoll0494]

I just moved to San Diego and the only place that offered me a job was womens PCU. It was labeled as “women’s observation unit” on the job description. I don’t want to do PCU. It’s also 4:1 which seems heavy…I’ve been a postpartum, gyn and peds nurse for 6 years. I start work next week and I’m constantly in a state of panic. I’m going to start looking for a new job now that I’m settled into my apartment but I had to accept the job in order to move when my last lease ended. I applied for several jobs. I was completely burnt out by the time I got the job offer and I haven’t had time to look for anything else In the meantime.

[@MrSamwiseable]

Just passed my NCLEX and my sister said she can get me into PCU, and then transfer to ER in six months (which is where I wanna be). Gonna watch this video first cuz I don't remember that much from PCU clinical rotation other than pain meds around the clock.

[@mayraperez5941]

thank you sooo much for this!! just found your channel and i love it!!

[@mssmith9227]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@CinemaDoll137]

2 months in and I regret it. I've been told by other nurses in the unit that the hospital I work at is one of the "better" ones in terms of ratios. We get 4-5 patients. But, those nurses come from places like Puerto Rico where they took on 18 patients (one of the nurses from there told me this) and busier hospitals so they're blind to how mismanaged, disorganized, and toxic this current workplace is. This is my first nursing job and I chose a smaller hospital thinking it would be a great place to get my feet wet since it may not be as chaotic. But, I was wrong. Not only is staffing a major issue, it then affects how available anyone is for help AND the terribly passive aggressive and hostile energy that comes with being spread thin, which then leaves me feeling like a burden. I've already been looking elsewhere but with just two months experience, who will hire me???? I've even started taken propranolol and increased how often I take buspirone.

[@griselcolon126]

Puerto Rico Nurses are very prepared and have lots of experience. Like you said the ratio per patient is more and that's why they learn to organized themselves better, and prioritize .PR nurses know how to work in any unit or department because they do not specialized in just one like the nurses in USA. No that they cant do it but is not the rule there.

[@CinemaDoll137]

@@griselcolon126 okay

[@neesha3127]

I understand you! PCU here as well.

[@ripptoffrenoashley5150]

I'm # 100 subscribers for your channel. Congrats on 100. 💗 your channel

[@PriscillaDesiree]

Thank you so much!!!! Ahhh how exciting right?! Thanks for subscribing and being a part of this journey with me!

[@kiaharper7172]

All these point refer to nursing in general. Super frustrating at times.

[@daniellecoffey4039]

Thanks for the info, I’m applying for PCU now! We are moving our family out of state and I want a new specialty.

[@annawilbert]

I love your videos u seem so nice I'm going into nursing and I have to work full-time and am super nervous but your giving me a good idea of what it's like and I appreciate it and feel better lol and also I wish we could be friends 😊 have a good day!!

[@simplyjojorn6684]

I am starting my residency in MSPCU soon. I am very eager but nervous ! I am signing a two year contract like you said.

[@PopRock26]

Me too, Oncology PCU

[@allysophia756]

I really appreciate this video because I have my first job interview for a Progressive Care Cardiac Unit and a Med-Surg/Tele Floor. I’m so confused which one would be the best opportunity.

[@PriscillaDesiree]

Congrats on your interview! Thank you for your comment! I personally can say that no matter how sick the patients are in PCU, I don't regret my decision because I feel like I've been more challenged and have gotten to understand more of the big picture. When I worked on a Med-Surg/Tele floor I felt like I was too busy to wrap my head around everything. But that's my personal experience. I hope you make the best choice that works for you and it looks like you're off to a great start! I hope you crush your interview and don't forget to ask questions!! Ask them what the patient to nurse ratio is, what kind of patients do they mainly get, is it only cardiac or are there other overflow patients they get from time to time like COPD exacerbation, pneumonia, GI, etc. Just because its a cardiac PCU, it may not only be cardiac so don't be surprised unless they tell you otherwise because I was misled by thinking that way! Best wishes!

[@DanEluv13]

Totally off topic but, Where did you get your entertainment center??? I Love it!

[@AmericanShiba]

I have seen a similar piece of Wayfair!

[@GeraldineAlot-i7m]

How's like for nursing student or tech ?

[@almairisv]

Please upload more nursing videos :)

[@PriscillaDesiree]

I will! Nursing Q&A is next! If you have any questions, feel free to ask on here or DM me on Instagram @priscilladesireeig_ Thanks for watching!

[@nurseo5952]

@@PriscillaDesiree how many patients do you get?

[@DueinOct24]

I am nervous just accepted a full-time PCU position. I don't know now like even what to expect.

[@whithart9874]

How's it going?

[@PrycelessKhadii]

Im starting a full time pcu position as well how can I prepare before start

[@DueinOct24]

I personally didn't like it.

[@PrycelessKhadii]

Really what didn’t you like about it

[@tima1664]

@@PrycelessKhadii hey how is your experience?

[@onyeka2262]

I was recently hired for PCU. Orientation is Monday. Two questions. One , the contract you were talking about, is it mandated that you have to sign and two, is this the case at every hospital?

[@PriscillaDesiree]

Onyeka congrats!! In my hospital, you have to sign it if you want to go into the critical care program (PCU or ICU). I’m not familiar with any other hospital about this topic but I would ask Human Resources or your unit manager because this varies in different hospitals and different states.

[@ricodeguzman5338]

Onyeka if you applied for a graduate nurse residency program where you will be trained, it will more likely come with at least a two year contract.

[@estherthomas5744]

@Priscilla Desiree - what brand of scrubs are you wearing in this video? They look so nice.

[@PriscillaDesiree]

Esther Thomas these are Purple Label scrubs by Healing Hands

[@estherthomas5744]

@@PriscillaDesiree, thank you so much!! I went to try on scrubs to buy for my nursing program today (starting this coming Monday) and these were so comfy and flattering! May God continue to bless you and yours. Keep rocking it!

[@permodmohan8062]

Thanks for motivation videos

[@danilojayandres5317]

Hi, may i ask the patient ratio in cardiac pcu? Thank you.

[@britishlola]

so i’m an lpn student and after winter break, we’re going to the pcu for our 3rd clinical rounds. i’m very nervous to go and i want to know how should i prepare before going. could anyone please give me some advice?? i’m like extremely nervous LOL and i don’t do well in high-stress situations and i’m really shy as well. so also how do i overcome all of that?

[@brittbritt0789]

britishlola it is more fast paced but as a student just be a sponge. PCU is a opportunity to learn a lot, but as a student all of the responsibility is not on you so you can relax and learn from the nurse.

[@elizabethim9482]

How many patients do PCU nurses usually get?

[@PriscillaDesiree]

depends on the hospital and unit but in my experience, I've gotten anywhere from 3-4 PCU patients. In some units that have mixed acuity levels, I've gotten 3-4 PCU patients and 1 or 2 med surg or med tele patients in the same assignment. It's hard but doable depending on how the patients are.

[@neesha3127]

Should be 1:4, I am in Florida, and we have been getting 6! It is highly unsafe for the patient and difficult on the nurse.

[@Batmanforever6969]

Isn't PCU also tele?

[@edwinreyes8779]

Absolutely gorgeous love your video xo

[@MLOVESMAKEUP]

Are you not interested in PCU anymore ? and if so, what would you like to do in nursing?

[@MLOVESMAKEUP]

Btw, are a nurse from the States or Canada? I don't think we have PCU nursing here

[@JohnniiiRc]

TE AMO!

[@permodmohan8062]

I love you

[@JohnniiRodriigz]

Your so beautiful!

[@PriscillaDesiree]

Aww thanks

[@birdie0124]

We have identical body types

[@JoudanJanaiHa]

Okay?

[@amarmata1]

What a weird thing to tell someone lol,. So weird

[@AA-td1yw]

so raandom