RN - PACU

Registered Nurse (RN) - PACU

Shift Information

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Definition of Position

The Registered Nurse specializing in perioperative practice is responsible for nursing activities in the pre-anesthesia, post-anesthesia Phase I, and post-anesthesia Phase II care during the patient's surgical experience. This role involves monitoring patients undergoing local procedures in the operating room and administering conscious sedation if certified. The recovery RN ensures quality care for pre- and post-procedure patients by utilizing the nursing process, established standards of care, and hospital policies. The peri-anesthesia nurse advocates for patients and supervises assigned personnel. Regular on-call duties for the Post-Anesthesia Unit will be required.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct nursing assessments for patients in the pre- and postoperative phases of care.
• Perform patient admissions based on hospital standards.
• Initiate and manage intravenous access for patients.
• Monitor patients for changes in vital signs and intervene based on medical guidelines.
• Use the Aldrete scoring system during the PACU phase.
• Ensure patients maintain airways and adequate respiratory function.
• Implement interventions to manage the patients' various physiological systems and fluid/electrolyte balance.
• Communicate consistently with medical staff regarding patient status.
• Administer pain medications and evaluate their efficacy.
• Treat post-operative nausea using appropriate medications and comfort measures.
• Develop individualized peri-anesthesia care plans.
• Assist anesthesia with nerve blocks as necessary.
• Administer medications following the 8 rights of safe medication practices.
• Maintain integrity of surgical sites to promote healing and infection prevention.
• Monitor and maintain normothermia throughout patient care.
• Educate patients and their caregivers on care expectations, medication management, and signs of complications.
• Assess patients' progress towards desired health outcomes.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Transfer patient care as needed and delegate tasks per state nursing regulations.
• Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to foster team relationships.
• Commit to professional growth and development.
• Safeguard patient privacy and health information.
• Involve patients and/or support people in care decisions.
• Adhere to safety protocols, including fall risk and infection control measures.
• Document all relevant information accurately in the electronic medical record.
• Maintain required competencies and participate in relevant educational programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Required: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.
• Preferred: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

• Required: Current Registered Nurse License in the State of Oregon, BLS, PALS, ACLS, and TNCC certifications.
• Preferred: Conscious sedation certification, CAPA/CPAN certification, Ultrasound Guided IV certification, CRASE training.

Experience

• Required: One year of critical care experience or two years of medical-surgical experience.
• Preferred: Experience in Day Surgery, PACU, Pre-admission services, or ambulatory surgery centers.

Physical Requirements

The physical and sensory functions essential for this role include the ability to hear patient alarms and communicate effectively, observe patient conditions, read documents and monitors, and perform fine motor tasks with medical equipment. The position requires walking and standing for most of the shift and lifting up to 50 pounds independently. Team assistance or mechanical aids should be utilized for lifting patients over 100 pounds.

Working Conditions

This role is primarily performed in an indoor healthcare environment, with exposure to infectious diseases, hazards, and medical equipment. Staff members must adhere to safety protocols and utilize personal protective equipment as necessary. The work