Registered Nurse PACU

Shift Type 3 days per week; 10 hours per shift Job Overview Provides nursing care to the surgical patient. Involves assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of surgical patient in the immediate post‑anesthetic period. Provides PACU/Recovery nursing care to patients in the facility by performing the following duties. The PACU RN is responsible for maintaining clinical, communication and personal knowledge and skills required to meet the challenge of delivering safe and effective patient care in the PACU. Responsibilities Demonstrates competency in all procedures within the scope of practice, as appropriate to the ages of the patient served, including the ability to obtain, interpret, and communicate information in terms of the patient’s needs, knowledge of growth and development, and understanding of the range of treatments needed by the following age groups: Infant (0‑1 year) Child (2‑12 years) Adolescent (13‑17 years) Adult (18‑69 years) Geriatric (70+ years) The Registered Nurse utilizes the nursing process in all aspects of patient care and completes all activities according to established policy, procedure, and protocol. Communicates accurate and timely information regarding patients and their care to patients, significant others, and co‑workers. Records pertinent information clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner. Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships with patients, significant others, and co‑workers. Utilizes appropriate lines of communication. Assesses the health status of the patient by collecting data via: Patient interview Physical assessment for all age groups according to the plan of care Recognizes variances in the assessment that are normal or abnormal for the age group Review of records Consultation with other members of the perioperative team Organizes a plan of care that incorporates physician‑prescribed treatments, nursing assignments, and diagnostic data in a manner that is prioritized, timely, and integrated with the surgical plan of care; gathers supplies, x‑rays, and instruments/equipment for cases. As an Admission/Discharge RN: Completes admission procedures as evidenced by ongoing chart review. Completes all necessary lab work and IVs in a timely and efficient manner. Prepares the patient for discharge by evaluating progress toward outcomes/discharge criteria, providing discharge instructions, and validating the patient or significant other’s ability to manage continuing care needs after discharge through post‑op phone calls. Provides education according to the specific knowledge/skill level of the patient or significant other, covering safe medication use, food‑drug interactions, use of medical equipment, and when/how to obtain further treatment; implements teaching protocols for patient education. As a PACU RN: Implements orders for post‑anesthesia care of patients and standing orders for critical‑care emergencies. Demonstrates knowledge of critical‑care medications and administers them properly according to policy. Adjusts the patient’s plan of care to meet outcomes. Documents patient care in an eligible manner, according to form guidelines and protocol, with content that reflects patient condition. Restocks area with applicable supplies and performs appropriate cleaning functions for the unit. Participates in conference, committee meetings, and educational programs as necessary. Obtains appropriate patient health history and participates in patient‑safety related practices. Clinical Leadership activities: Demonstrates appropriate judgment and decision‑making skills. Acts as the patient’s advocate in meeting physical and psychological needs. Serves as a preceptor and orients new members of the surgical team. Demonstrates effective communication skills and the ability to recognize and intervene in stressful situations involving the patient, significant other, and/or team members. Creates and maintains a safe and comfortable environment in which surgery can take place. Explains procedures and treatments to patients to gain cooperation, understanding, and alleviate apprehension. Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing technique; prepares equipment and assists physician during treatment and examination of patient. Maintains awareness of comfort and safety needs of patient, observes patient, records significant conditions, and notifies supervisor or physician of patient’s condition and reaction to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents. Take temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs to detect deviations from normal and assess condition of patient. Responds to life‑saving situations based on nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocol. Documents nursing history and physical assessment for assigned patients. Initiates a patient education plan according to the individualized needs of the patient, as prescribed by physician and/or facility policy, including patient and family instruction. Prepares rooms, sterile instruments, equipment, and supplies for surgery. Responsible for all logs and documentation in regard to medication control. Participates in facility quality improvement activities. Requirements Understanding and commitment to the mission, values, and philosophy of the organization. Current license as a RN. Awareness of changing nursing trends and ability to adapt. Knowledge and skills to provide patient care appropriate to specific location and patient population. Ability to function effectively in stressful situations. Ability to communicate in verbal and written methods. Ability and willingness to adjust schedule (trade or work extra) to meet the needs of the facility. BLS certification within 6 months of hire. Ability to work under supervision as well as oversee others. Must be able to meet physical demands of: Standing for prolonged periods of time. Lifting/moving heavy objects. #J-18808-Ljbffr