RN - PACU

Registered Nurse - PACU

Profession: RN Specialty: Critical Care Duration: 13 weeks Shift: Day Hours per Shift: 8 Experience: Minimum: One year of critical care experience or two years of medical-surgical experience. Preferred: Previous day surgery, PACU, pre-admission services, or ambulatory surgery center experience. License: Current Registered Nurse License in the State of Oregon. Certifications: Required: BLS, PALS, ACLS, TNCC. Preferred: Conscious sedation certification, CAPA, CPAN certification, Ultrasound guided IV certification, CRASE training. Must-Have: Familiarity with glucometer, art lines, space labs, epic charting, bladder scanner, ultrasound machines, Belmont rapid infuser, and blood warmers.

Description: The Registered Nurse specializing in perioperative practice performs nursing activities in the pre-anesthesia, post-anesthesia Phase I, and post-anesthesia Phase II care of surgical patients. The recovery RN monitors patients undergoing procedures and may administer conscious sedation if certified. Ensures provision of quality care through the nursing process, established standards of care, and policies and procedures. Acts as the patient advocate and supervises personnel assigned to patient care. Will be on call for the Post-Anesthesia Unit on a scheduled rotation. Supports the healthcare organization's mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures. Completes nursing assessments on patients in the pre and postoperative phases of care. Performs patient admissions according to hospital standards. Initiates and manages intravenous access. Closely observes patients for changes in vital signs and consciousness. Reports and intervenes based on medical guidelines. Uses the Aldrete scoring system in the PACU phase of care. Ensures the patient maintains a patent airway and adequate respiratory function. Performs interventions to maintain the status of the patients' body systems and fluid and electrolyte balance. Informs medical staff about patient status consistently. Administers pain medications and assesses their effectiveness. Treats post-operative nausea using medications and comfort measures. Develops an individualized peri-anesthesia plan of care. Assists anesthesia with nerve blocks as needed. Administers medications following safe medication practices. Assesses and performs interventions to maintain the integrity of surgical sites and promote infection prevention. Performs interventions to maintain normothermia throughout the continuum of care. Evaluates the knowledge level of patients and their designated caregivers. Provides education on expected outcomes, medication management, wound care, diet, activity, side effects, signs and symptoms of complications, and when to seek medical care. Assesses patients' progress towards desired outcomes. Collaborates effectively with other disciplines and nursing staff. Transfers patient care as needed. Delegates tasks following nursing regulations. Utilizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict resolution to build effective team relationships. Pursues professional growth and development. Advocates for patient privacy and health information. Involves patients and support persons in decisions affecting their perioperative care plan. Adheres to safety protocols, including fall risk and infection control. Documents accurately in the electronic medical record. Maintains required competencies. Participates in required education programs applicable to the position. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements: The position requires sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to sounds, including alarms and verbal communication. Effective communication is essential for interaction with patients, families, and health care team members. Visual acuity is necessary for observing patient conditions, reading documentation, and monitoring equipment. Tactile perception is important for assessing physical characteristics during patient care. Motor coordination is required for handling medical equipment and performing procedures. The position involves occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Walking and standing are typically continuous throughout the shift. The role requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently. Frequent pushing, pulling, carrying, or repositioning of patients weighing up to 25 pounds is expected. May involve occasional lifting or transferring of individuals weighing over 100 pounds, using appropriate techniques. May require sitting for long periods. Working Conditions: This position is performed in an indoor healthcare environment. The work setting may vary in temperatures and can involve exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials. The role requires adherence to safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment. The healthcare environment can be fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring quick responses to changing situations. Involves multiple simultaneous demands and varying levels of noise.