RN - PACU

Post Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse

Post Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse Profession: Nursing Specialty: Post Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse Duration: 13 weeks Shift: Days Hours per Shift: 36 Experience: Minimum Years of Experience: 0 License: Current RN Licensure Certifications: HCP Level of BLS within 30 days of hire. ACLS certification to be obtained within 6 months of hire. PALS or PEARS certification to be obtained within 6 months of hire. CPAN certification preferred. Must-Have: Graduation from an accredited school of nursing. Ability to perform the primary functions of a Registered Nurse in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care of all assigned patients. Critical thinking skills: Seeks resources for direction. Performs independent problem solving. Demonstrates accountability while practicing within legal and ethical guidelines. Ability to care for patients across the age continuum. Competency on department-specific equipment.

Description: This position is responsible for functioning as both a caregiver and care manager. In the caregiver role, the RN assumes responsibility for a group of patients for a designated time frame implementing the Nursing Process. In the role of care manager, the RN directs and oversees the work of other caregivers via delegation, coordination, supervision, and validation/evaluation of patient care outcomes. The individual in this position must fully understand the purpose and operation of Patient Care Services. They must have the ability to make decisions based on sound judgment when a situation dictates.

Essential Functions: Performs assessment/data collection focusing on physiologic, psychosocial, and cognitive status. Implements care in a knowledgeable, skillful, consistent, and continuous manner by utilizing predetermined procedures, policies, and care plans. Identifies patient and significant other learning needs, readiness for learning, and implements patient teaching as defined by policy and care plans. Documents in patient charts, via electronic medical records and/or paper processes, per policy and in accordance with regulatory requirements. Demonstrates awareness of and sensitivity to patient and family rights, regardless of classifications protected by law. Demonstrates appropriate delegation of patient care activities and functions effectively to supervise assigned coworkers. Utilizes effective organization and priority setting utilizing sound critical thinking. Demonstrates appropriate use of lines of authority. May be required to function as Charge Nurse. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations. Functions with awareness of adherence to safety requirements. Ensures self-compliance with organization policies and procedures. Ensures courteous and efficient interface with team members and other support groups. Conducts self in a professional manner and ensures personal appearance meets job function standards. Handles additional responsibilities as required by management to meet organizational standards.

Work Environment: The individual in this position reports to designated supervisory staff. This position works closely with patients, physicians, and other clinicians to ensure optimal patient care and outcomes.

Physical Requirements: Frequent standing, walking, lifting, reaching, kneeling, bending, and pushing. Manual dexterity and ability to lift/carry up to 30 lbs. Physical strength to perform CPR and lift/push/pull 60 to 300 pounds with assistance. Keen mental faculties for assessment and decision-making in managing acutely ill patients. Good reading eyesight and ability to observe patient assessment data. Emotional stability conducive to dealing with high stress levels associated with patient care. Ability to communicate using verbal and/or written skills for accurate exchange of information. PACU Specific: Continuing education requirements include 4 hours of orientation training and 4 hours of annual training. Performance expectations include following the pathway for total joint replacement depending on the specialty area.