RN - PACU

Registered Nurse

The Registered Nurse specializing in perioperative practice performs nursing activities in the pre-anesthesia and post-anesthesia care of surgical patients. The recovery RN monitors patients having local only procedures in the operating room and may administer conscious sedation if certified. Works to ensure provision of quality care for pre and post procedure patients through the nursing process, established standards of care, and policies and procedures. The peri-anesthesia nurse acts as the patient advocate and is responsible for the direction and supervision of any personnel assigned. Will be on call for the Post-Anesthesia Unit on a regularly scheduled rotation. The employee supports the mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.

Essential Job Functions:

• Completes nursing assessments on patients in the pre and postoperative phase of care.
• Performs patient admissions according to standard of care.
• Initiates and manages intravenous access.
• Closely observes patients for changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and consciousness.
• Reports and intervenes as needed based on medical guidelines.
• Uses the Aldrete scoring system in the PACU phase of care.
• Ensures the patient maintains a patent airway and adequate respiratory function.
• Performs interventions to maintain the status of the patients' genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological systems, and fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Informs medical staff about the patient's status consistently.
• Administers pain medications and assesses their effectiveness.
• Treats post-operative nausea using medications and comfort measures.
• Develops an individualized peri-anesthesia plan of care.
• Assists anesthesia with various nerve blocks as needed.
• Administers medications using the 8 rights of safe medication practices.
• Assess and perform interventions to maintain the integrity of the patients' surgical sites to enhance tissue perfusion and promote infection prevention.
• Performs interventions to maintain normothermia throughout the continuum of care.
• Evaluates the patient's and designated caretaker's knowledge level.
• Provides education on expected outcomes, medication management, wound care, diet, activity, anesthesia side effects, when to seek medical care, signs and symptoms of complications, and any other necessary educational needs.
• Assess patients' progress towards desired outcomes.
• Collaborates effectively with other disciplines and nursing staff as needed.
• Transfers patient care as needed and delegates tasks according to state board of nursing guidelines.
• Uses critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills to build effective team relationships.
• Pursues professional growth and development.
• Advocates for patients and safeguards their privacy and health information.
• Involves the patient and/or support person in decisions affecting their perioperative plan of care.
• Adheres to safety protocols such as fall risk and infection control.
• Documents accurately in the electronic medical record.
• Maintains required competencies.
• Participates in required education for applicable programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to various sounds, including patient alarms and verbal communication.
• Clear and effective communication is essential, along with the ability to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Visual acuity is necessary for observing patient conditions, reading documentation and monitors, and distinguishing colors for clinical purposes.
• Tactile perception is important for assessing physical characteristics during patient care.
• Motor coordination is required for reaching, grasping, handling, and performing fine motor tasks.
• The position involves occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling when assisting patients or accessing equipment.
• Walking and standing are typically continuous throughout the shift.
• The role requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently and involves frequent pushing, pulling, carrying, or repositioning of objects or patients weighing up to 25 pounds.
• There may also be occasional lifting or transferring of individuals weighing over 100 pounds, with appropriate lifting techniques, mechanical aids, or team assistance used to ensure safety.
• May require sitting for long periods of time.

Working Conditions:

• This position is performed primarily in an indoor healthcare environment.
• While the work setting is protected from outdoor weather conditions, it may be subject to variable indoor temperatures.
• The role involves frequent exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, hazardous materials, and medical equipment.
• All staff follow appropriate safety protocols and utilize personal protective equipment as required.
• The healthcare environment can be fast-paced.