RN - PACU

Registered Nurse - Critical Care

The Registered Nurse specializing in perioperative practice performs nursing activities in pre-anesthesia, post-anesthesia Phase I, and post-anesthesia Phase II care for patients undergoing surgical procedures. The recovery RN monitors patients having local only procedures in the operating room and may administer conscious sedation if certified. This role ensures provision of quality care for pre- and post-procedure patients through the utilization of the nursing process, established standards of care, and policies and procedures. The peri-anesthesia nurse acts as the patient advocate and is responsible for the direction and supervision of any personnel assigned. The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures. Essential job functions include:

• Completing nursing assessments on patients in the pre- and postoperative phases of care.
• Performing patient admissions according to hospital standards of care.
• Initiating and managing intravenous access.
• Closely observing patients for changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and consciousness.
• Reporting and intervening as needed based on medical guidelines.
• Using the Aldrete scoring system in the PACU phase of care.
• Ensuring patients maintain an open airway and adequate respiratory function.
• Performing interventions to maintain the status of the patient's genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, as well as fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Informing medical staff about the patient's status consistently.
• Administering pain medications and assessing their effectiveness.
• Treating post-operative nausea using medications and comfort measures.
• Developing individualized peri-anesthesia plans of care.
• Assisting anesthesia with various nerve blocks as needed.
• Administering medications in alignment with safe medication practices.
• Assessing and performing interventions to maintain the integrity of the patient's surgical sites to enhance tissue perfusion and promote infection prevention.
• Performing interventions to maintain normothermia throughout the continuum of care.
• Evaluating the patient's and their designated caretaker's knowledge levels.
• Providing education on expected outcomes, medication management, wound care, diet, activity, anesthesia side effects, signs and symptoms of complications, and when to seek medical care.
• Assessing patients' progress towards desired outcomes.
• Collaborating effectively with other disciplines and nursing staff as needed.
• Transferring patient care appropriately when necessary.
• Using critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills to build effective team relationships.
• Pursuing professional growth and development.
• Advocating for patients and safeguarding their privacy and health information.
• Involving patients and/or support persons in decisions affecting their perioperative plan of care.
• Adhering to safety protocols such as fall risk and infection control.
• Documenting accurately in the electronic medical record.
• Maintaining required competencies.
• Participating in required education programs as applicable.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Physical and sensory functions required include: The ability to detect and respond to various sounds, including patient alarms and verbal communication. Clear and effective communication skills for interactions with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Visual acuity for observing patient conditions, reading documentation and monitors, and distinguishing colors for clinical purposes. Tactile perception for assessing physical characteristics during patient care. Motor coordination for performing tasks necessary to use medical equipment and procedures. Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling when assisting patients or accessing equipment. Continuous walking and standing throughout the shift. The ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently and the frequent ability to push, pull, carry, or reposition objects or patients weighing up to 25 pounds. Occasional lifting or transferring of individuals weighing over 100 pounds while utilizing appropriate lifting techniques, mechanical aids, or team assistance.

Working conditions include: Primarily an indoor healthcare environment, such as a hospital or clinic. Exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, hazardous materials, and medical equipment with adherence to safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment as required. A fast-paced and unpredictable healthcare environment requiring quick responses to changing circumstances, including emergency situations. Multiple simultaneous demands and varying levels of noise due to medical equipment, staff activity, and patient needs.