PACU RN

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) RN

Qualifications

Education

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing

Certified post-anesthesia nurse (CPAN) preferred but not required.

Experience/Skills

• Preferably possesses at least two years' experience as a nurse in a post-anesthesia care unit.
• Possesses circulating and/or scrubbing duty experience
• Performs nursing intervention using the nursing process and incorporating current clinical knowledge with established nursing practice
• Extensive experience in measuring and interpreting vital signs and levels of consciousness.
• Availability to work rotational shifts, including nights, weekends and public holidays.
• Proficiently reads, writes, and understands English
• Accurately reads fine print, supply labels, patient identification bracelets, the surgical schedule, and policies and procedures
• Accurately hears and follows verbal instructions
• Pushes and pulls heavy objects such as gurneys, patient beds and OR beds
• Lifts patients, heavy boxes weighing up to 40 pounds, and instrument sets weighing up to 20 pounds

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Registered Nurse licensed to practice in the state of Indiana
• CPR
• ACLS

Working Conditions

• Works in an air-conditioned environment with a temperature of 65ºF-72ºF and humidity of 45%-55%
• Works in temperatures up to 85ºF-90ºF when assigned to assist with pediatric cases
• Wears hospital-provided scrub attire while on duty
• Works in an environment with the potential for cuts, bruises, muscle strains, and exposure to contagious diseases via blood and body fluids
• Works in an environment with the potential for exposure to anesthetic waste gases, harsh disinfectants, sterilizing agents, high steam pressure, and radiologic factors

Routine Responsibilities

Behavioral Expectations

• Consistently complies with established Behavioral Expectations

PACU RN Duties

• Monitors post-operative patients' levels of consciousness during recovery from anesthesia.
• Measures and records patients' vital signs.
• Closely observes patients for signs of side effects of anesthesia medication.
• Treats pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms of anesthesia.
• Updates charts, patient files, and medical records.
• Collaborates with the medical team on post-operative patient care and facilitating timely specialized interventions.
• Provides comfort and reassurance to distressed post-operative patients and concerned family members.
• Educates patients and their families on post-surgery care, as well as answers any questions they may have.
• Demonstrates effective airway management; frequently monitors respiratory adequacy and intervenes appropriately.
• Monitors cardiac system of post-op patient
• Identifies arrhythmias and evidence of shock, intervening appropriately when necessary
• Utilizes PAR scoring system to determine patient status toward post-anesthesia recovery

Full Time/Day Shift 80 hours/bi-weekly