Perianesthesia Registered Nurse - PACU - Full Time/Evenings

Job Objective The Perianesthesia Registered Nurse provides comprehensive nursing care across the perioperative continuum, including pre‑operative preparation, immediate post‑anesthesia recovery, and Phase II recovery through discharge or transfer. This role functions across procedural care areas including SDS, Pre‑Op, PACU (Phase I and II), and recovery, providing flexible staffing support based on patient care needs. The RN practices in accordance with American Society of Perianesthesia Nursing (ASPAN) standards, AVMC policies, and regulatory requirements to ensure safe, high‑quality patient care before and after anesthesia or sedation. Duties and Responsibilities Promotes patient‑centered care Pre‑Operative Phase / Same Day Surgery Prepares and assesses patients for surgery or procedures per department policy Verifies patient identity, documentation, and readiness for procedure Reviews diagnostic results and notifies physicians of abnormalities Provides patient and family education regarding procedure and recovery Completes and reviews required documentation Post‑Anesthesia Care (PACU / Phase I Recovery) Provides specialized post‑operative nursing care for patients recovering from anesthesia Manages critically unstable or high‑acuity patients Monitors airway, ventilation, circulation, oxygenation, and temperature Manages invasive lines, drips, ventilators, and pain management equipment (PCA, epidural, etc.) Assesses for complications including hypothermia, malignant hyperthermia, and respiratory compromise Performs airway management and emergency interventions when indicated Phase II Recovery / Discharge Assess physiologic and psychological readiness for discharge or transfer Provides discharge teaching and instructions per medical center protocols Ensures safe recovery from general, regional, or local anesthesia Promotes family‑centered recovery environment Monitoring and clinical management Performs ongoing clinical assessments appropriate to patient condition Applies core measures relevant to perioperative care Interprets EKG and diagnostic testing Provides pain and comfort management Maintains documentation of all care phases Non‑Essential Duties Assist in performance improvement initiatives Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge ASPAN standards Core measures Knowledge of patient’s rights and advance directives Interpretation of EKG and diagnostic testing Pain and comfort management of the perianesthesia patient Skills Strong critical thinking skills Basic computer skills Good customer service skills Abilities Able to function independently Able to communicate well Education and Experience Education Graduate of accredited school of nursing BSN preferred Demonstrates knowledge and competency on hospital information technologies used in the designated patient care area National certifications desirable Experience Minimum 2 years acute care experience required Experience in ICU, PACU, or critical care preferred Experience in pre‑op or procedural nursing desirable Completion of perianesthesia course within 6 months of hire (if not already completed) Required Licensure and/or Certifications BCLS, ACLS and PALS certification required at time of hire AVMC Conduct/Compliance Expectations Ability to adhere with AVMC Attendance and Punctuality Policy Ability to adhere with AVMC Leaves of Absence Policy Ability to adhere with AVMC Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy Ability to adhere to the department dress code Ability to organize work and establish priorities Ability to expand on own initiative in performance of duties Skill and ability to follow the telephone etiquette/standards Ability to function effectively under pressure and meet time parameters Ability to communicate effectively while maintaining good working relationships with co‑workers, managers and other hospital staff Ability to adhere to the normal standards of courtesy and conduct as defined under the rules of hospitality at AVMC Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patients, hospital and department information Ability to adhere to safety rules and regulations Safely and effectively use all the equipment necessary to carry out duties Ability to interpret and function under hospital and department policies and procedures Conforms with required and appropriate accreditation and regulatory requirements Conforms with and supports hospital quality assurance and improvement guidelines Ability to participate effectively in department and hospital staff education Display a willingness to work as a team player Ability to give and support the highest level of patient/customer satisfaction at all times Supports and adheres to the values and mission statement established by the AVMC Board of Directors Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Compliance & Integrity Program and its established policies Ability to follow the Code of Conduct Physical Requirements and Working Conditions May float between SDS, Pre‑Op, PACU, and recovery areas Required to take call shifts per department policy Mandatory weekend and holiday rotation May work 8‑12 hour shifts Must meet physical requirements maintained by Employee Health #J-18808-Ljbffr