RN Post Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse

Job Summary:

The Registered Nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) provides skilled nursing care to patients recovering from surgery, including those in Phase I and Phase II recovery. This role requires advanced knowledge in anesthesiology and critical care skills to monitor patient stability, assess incision sites, and manage post-operative complications. The nurse collaborates with the healthcare team to ensure optimal patient outcomes in a fast-paced surgical recovery environment. A minimum of 2 years of critical care nursing experience is required. Responsibilities:

• Provide nursing care to patients pre-operation, during Phase I and Phase II recovery.
• Assess incision sites and monitor vital signs including body temperature and other stability indicators.
• Manage and operate equipment such as Meditech, PCA Pumps, Pyxis, Braun IV Pumps, Cryocuff, SCD's, Bair PAWS Warmers, HP and Phillips Monitors.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to develop and implement patient care plans.
• Identify and respond to patient complications and emergencies.
• Document patient care and maintain accurate medical records.
• Maintain compliance with infection control and safety protocols.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Active Registered Nurse license in the state of Hawaii.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a critical care RN (e.g., ER, ICU) or PACU nurse in a hospital setting.
• Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications from the American Heart Association.
• Strong critical thinking and patient assessment skills.
• Experience with post-anesthesia care and surgical nursing.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
• Specialty certifications such as NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC).
• Experience with critical care equipment and electronic medical record systems.

Special Considerations:

• Must have or obtain Hawaii RN license prior to assignment start.
• Proof of flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required before contract start.
• On-call shifts required 0-3 times per month, including 8-hour night and 24-hour weekend/holiday coverage.
• Work environment includes acute surgical recovery units with exposure to post-operative patients.

Scheduling:

• Variable shifts including 8, 10, and 12-hour durations.
• Shifts may be scheduled during days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• No guaranteed hours or shift preference; assignments may vary between ASU and PACU units.