RN - PACU

Job Opportunity

The Registered Nurse specializing in perioperative practice performs nursing activities in the pre-anesthesia, post-anesthesia Phase I, and post-anesthesia Phase II care of the patient's surgical experience. The recovery RN monitors patients undergoing local-only procedures in the Operating Room (OR) and may administer conscious sedation if certified. This role ensures the provision of quality care for pre and post-procedure patients by utilizing the nursing process and established standards of care. The peri-anesthesia nurse advocates for patients and supervises personnel assigned to them. Additionally, the nurse will be on call for the Post-Anesthesia Unit on a regular scheduled rotation, supporting the hospital's mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.

Essential Job Functions

• Complete nursing assessments on patients in the pre and postoperative phases of care.
• Perform patient admissions according to hospital standards.
• Initiate and manage intravenous access.
• Monitor and assess patients for changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and consciousness.
• Report and intervene based on medical guidelines.
• Utilize the Aldrete scoring system in the PACU phase of care.
• Ensure proper airway maintenance and adequate respiratory function for patients.
• Execute interventions to support the status of the genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological systems, and fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Consistently inform medical staff about patient's status.
• Administer pain medications and assess their effectiveness.
• Treat postoperative nausea utilizing medications and comfort measures.
• Develop individualized peri-anesthesia plans of care.
• Assist anesthesia with various nerve blocks as needed.
• Administer medications following the 8 rights of safe medication practices.
• Assess and maintain the integrity of the patient's surgical sites to enhance tissue perfusion and support infection prevention.
• Implement interventions to maintain normothermia throughout the continuum of care.
• Evaluate patients' progress towards desired outcomes.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and nursing staff.
• Document accurately within the electronic medical record.
• Participate in required education for relevant programs applicable to the position.

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, & TNCC.
• Preferred: Conscious sedation certification, CAPA/CPAN certification, Ultrasound Guided IV certification, CRASE training (if the travel assignment extends beyond a 6-month period).

Experience

• Required: One year of critical care experience or two years of medical-surgical experience.
• Preferred: Previous experience in Day Surgery, PACU, Pre-admission services, or ambulatory surgery centers. Familiarity with glucometers, arterial lines, space labs, Epic charting, bladder scanners, ultrasound machines, Belmont rapid infusers, and blood warmers.

Physical Requirements

This position requires sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to various sounds, including patient alarms and verbal communication. Strong communication skills are essential for effective interaction with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Visual acuity is necessary for observing patient conditions and reading documentation. Tactile perception is also important for assessing physical characteristics such as temperature and size. Motor coordination is required for reaching, grasping, and performing fine motor tasks needed for medical equipment use.

Working Conditions

This role is primarily performed in an indoor healthcare environment, such as a hospital or clinic. The work setting is typically protected from outdoor weather conditions, although variable indoor temperatures may occur. Frequent exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials is expected, with adherence to safety protocols and