PACU RN

Registered Nurse (RN) Pre-Op/Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

The Registered Nurse (RN) Pre-Op/Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) is responsible for providing patient care based upon the nursing process; being effectively involved with maintaining the standard of care for assigned patients through assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The Registered Nurse shall oversee and guide employees that are under his/her supervision. The Registered Nurse actively supports and promotes the Center's Philosophy and Mission Statement. The Registered Nurse is under the direction of the Director of Nursing.

Job Description:

• Demonstrate knowledge and skill requirements regarding his/her role in the Safety Management Program (Safety/Security), Infection Control, Hazardous Materials, Emergency Preparedness, Life Safety, Medical Equipment and Utility Systems, and his/her expected level of participation. Submit documentation of annual updates.
• Perform initial physiological needs assessment on all patients on admission/Discharge.
• LVNs assessments will be supervised by RN and co-signed by RN/CRNA.
• Ensure operative and informed consents are signed and correct.
• Identify patients' symptoms and changes and take appropriate timely action.
• Observe behavioral and physiological changes due to medications, take appropriate actions and document.
• IV Sedation course completion and certification upon hire preferred (RN).
• Maintain awareness of the status of assigned patients. Collect and document data appropriate to the nature and severity of the illness. Communicate appropriate data to the physician and other patient care team members.
• Interpret and implement physician's orders; perform treatments according to accepted standards and policies; evaluate and document effectiveness of treatments.
• Apply the principles of growth and development of the life span and assess, interpret, and provide the care/service with data reflective to each patients' age specific needs.
• Anticipate potential patient problems and take the necessary precautions to minimize those problems to ensure patient safety.
• Identify and report unsafe practice and/or procedures.
• Ensure that supplies and equipment are available for patient care.
• Interact professionally and communicate courteously and clearly with physicians, patients, families, visitors, members of the public and co-workers.
• Respect others' needs when resolving interpersonal conflicts and when personal voicing concerns/opinions; seek assistance in resolving conflicts when required.
• Respond tactfully to common inquiries or complaints from patients, regulatory agencies, or members of the medical and business community.
• Encourage and promote cross training activities for professional growth and in order to contribute to the overall function of the Center.
• Assist with Pre Op calls and documentation of patient health history and medications prior to admission to the surgery center.
• Ability to recognize preexisting symptoms and disease processes to forward to anesthesia provider and physician to initiate medical clearances.
• Read, analyze, and interpret common professional and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
• Maintain and submit documentation of required current licensure and/or certification.
• Attend staff meetings. Attendance records not to fall below 8 out of the 12 annual staff meetings.
• Responsible for knowing current policies and procedures, protocol and practices of the Center.
• Function within scope of practice based on licensure, education, skills, and experience; recognize your own limitations and ask for guidance when necessary.
• Assist with additional duties required to maintain operations at the ASC which include restocking, outdates of supplies & medications, assisting with bi-annual equipment cleaning, annual inventory.

Job Requirements:

• ASC experience preferred.
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Currently active State Registered Nursing License
• Current BCLS and ACLS certification.
• Previous ASC experience preferred.
• Demonstrate current, comprehensive, professional knowledge and skills in conformance with recognized nursing standards and department policies including the Patient Bill of Rights and AAAHC regulations, Standards for Nursing Care, and the Nurse Practice Act.
• Must possess general clinical competency in acute patient care.
• Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served in the Center.
• Ability to gather pertinent medical history and provide instruction for PreOp and PostOp care.
• Effective communicator-- appreciates and respects others' needs, opinions, and concerns. Ability to read and communicate effectively in English. Additional languages are preferred.
• Competence in medication administration.
• Willingness to cross-train to all areas.
• Assist in additional ASC tasks as directed by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English. Additional languages are preferred.
• Ability to communicate in a professional manner-- able to counsel/teach customers, train co-workers, and positively contribute to marketing/public relations.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from patients, regulatory agencies, or members of the medical and business community.
• Proficient computer skills- ability to accurately update and manage electronic healthcare records.

Hours and Working Conditions:

Position hours could include Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturdays. Work hours may be subject to change, depending on surgery schedule. Hazards: Occasional contact with communicable diseases, electrical equipment, blood borne pathogens, etc. Personal protective equipment: Provided if necessary (gowns, gloves, masks, head cover).