PACU Reflection
This was my second day in the PACU and my personal objectives for the day were to have access to the Pyxis, administer IV medications and IV management. As soon as I got to the floor, I was able to activate my account to have access to Pyxis. It made a big difference to do it myself than watching my nurse for the most part. In PACU there is a lot of pain medication administration so I was able to use the Pyxis many times during my shift. I felt more comfortable doing the process.
IV administration is one of my biggest goals because I did not have many opportunities during my clinical rotations. I am really pleased that today I was able to administer IV medications, many times during my shift. My nurse challenges me a lot, asking me questions
about what pain medication is the best for the patient according to his level of pain, taking into consideration things such as, respiratory function, nausea/vomiting, and the prn medications prescribed for the patient.
Since IV management was one of my goals I decided to pay more attention and learn more about it. Most patients when they come from the OR, they come with two IVs; therefore, I had to assess and chart on both IV sites. One of my patients had two IVs, but only one was documented, so I told my nurse and she showed me how to add the other line on the system. In addition, I have been removing the IV lines when the patient is going to be discharged home. It is amazing how repetition helps you do a better job every time you do it.
At the end of the shift, my nurse told me that she was a little concerned if I was having a good clinical experience in PACU because the unit is a fast pace and sometimes she has to go fast. I told my nurse that it has been a great experience because when she needs to do things fast I am paying attention to every movement she does. I enjoyed my day today, especially because I have a great nurse that explains me in detail when I don’t know how to perform a certain skill.
IV administration is one of my biggest goals because I did not have many opportunities during my clinical rotations. I am really pleased that today I was able to administer IV medications, many times during my shift. My nurse challenges me a lot, asking me questions
about what pain medication is the best for the patient according to his level of pain, taking into consideration things such as, respiratory function, nausea/vomiting, and the prn medications prescribed for the patient.
Since IV management was one of my goals I decided to pay more attention and learn more about it. Most patients when they come from the OR, they come with two IVs; therefore, I had to assess and chart on both IV sites. One of my patients had two IVs, but only one was documented, so I told my nurse and she showed me how to add the other line on the system. In addition, I have been removing the IV lines when the patient is going to be discharged home. It is amazing how repetition helps you do a better job every time you do it.
At the end of the shift, my nurse told me that she was a little concerned if I was having a good clinical experience in PACU because the unit is a fast pace and sometimes she has to go fast. I told my nurse that it has been a great experience because when she needs to do things fast I am paying attention to every movement she does. I enjoyed my day today, especially because I have a great nurse that explains me in detail when I don’t know how to perform a certain skill.