To become a certified PACU nurse, you need an undergraduate degree and 1,200 hours of peri-anesthesia care. This takes 2 to 4 years to earn a degree, plus 1 year gaining PACU experience. In total, expect to commit 4 to 5 years to become a CPAN-certified PACU nurse.
Every nursing career begins with education. Then, you can pursue jobs that provide the PACU experience required for certification. Whether a fresh graduate or working nurse, you can improve your chances of getting hired by following the tips in this article.
In comparison to average career growth, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12% registered nurse job growth from 2018 to 2028. PACU nurses should expect similar opportunities. As a result, nursing offers job security and future prospects.
The PACU is where patients are observed closely after surgery while recovering from anesthesia. Vital signs, pain management, and fluids are monitored. PACU nurses have patients for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Challenging cases pass quickly, avoiding long-term frustration.
Nursing degrees include anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, nutrition, fundamentals, and assessment. Supervised practicum experiences are also key, allowing you to gain skills for nursing duties.
To become a certified PACU nurse, you need a nursing degree and a specific amount of peri-anesthesia care experience:
- Undergraduate degree: 2 to 4 years
- PACU experience: 1 year (1,200 to 1,800 hours)
How to Become a PACU Nurse
Steps to become a PACU nurse include:
- Obtain a nursing degree
- Gain RN experience
- Take the CPAN certification exam
This path generally takes 4-6 years and provides specialized skills to help surgical patients safely recover.