Registered Nurse PACU

Description Shift Availability: 5 days per week, 8 hours per shift OR 4 days per week, 10 hours per shift

Provides nursing care to the surgical patient. Involves assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of surgical patients in the immediate post-anesthetic period. Provides PACU/Recovery nursing care to patients in the facility. 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.

As a representative of this facility, all comments, attitudes, actions, and behaviors have a direct effect on the center's image and perceptions of quality service. Interaction with patients, physicians, referral sources, guest, visitors, volunteer workers, co-workers, supervisors, vendors, etc. must be in a manner that is friendly, supportive, courteous, respectful, cooperative, and professional. This behavior should promote an atmosphere of teamwork that is congruent with the center's standards and guidelines to promote positive relations.

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, a knowledge of growth and development, and an understanding of the range of treatment needed by the following age groups: Infant (0 - 1 year), Pediatric (2 - 12 years), Adolescent (13 - 17 years), Adult (18 - 69 years), and Geriatric (70+ years). Responsible for utilization of the nursing process in all aspects of the delivery of patient care and completion of all activities according to established policy, procedure, and protocol. Communicates accurate and timely information regarding patients and their care and/or their significant others Records pertinent information clearly, accurately and in a timely manner Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships with patients, significant others, and co-workers Utilities appropriate lines of communication Assess the health status of the patient by collecting date via: Patient interview, physical assessment for all age groups according to the plan of care, recognizes variances in the assessment which are normal/abnormal for the age group, review of records, and consultation with other members of the perioperative team. Organizes a plan of care that incorporates physician prescribed treatments, nursing assignments and diagnostic date in a manner that: Is prioritized, timely & integrated with the surgical plan of care, gathering supplies, x-rays and instruments/equipment for cases. As an Admission/Discharge RN: Completes admission on patient admission as evidenced by ongoing chart review. Completes all necessary lab work and IV’s in a timely and efficient manner. Prepares the patient for discharge in the following ways, as evidenced by ongoing chart review. Evaluates the patient’s progress for achievement of outcomes/discharge criteria. Provides discharge instructions to the patient or care giver. Validates ability of the patient/SO to manage continuing care needs after discharge, through post-op phone calls. Provides education according to the specific knowledge/skill level of the patient/SO to meet the patient’s ongoing health needs including: safe and effective use of medication including food-drug interaction, as evidenced by chart review. Safe and effective use of medical equipment, if applicable. When and how to obtain further treatment. Implementation of teaching protocols for patient education. As a PACU RN: Implements orders for post-anesthesia care of patients. Implements standing orders for critical care emergencies. Demonstrates knowledge of critical care medications and administers them properly according to policy. Changes the patients plan of care to meet outcomes. Documents patient care in a legible manner, according to form guidelines, protocol, and content reflects patient condition. Restocks area with applicable supplies. Performs appropriate cleaning functions for the unit. Participate in conference, committee meetings, and educational programs as necessary. Obtains appropriate patient health history. Participates in appropriate patient safety related practices. Clinical Leadership: Demonstrates appropriate judgment and decision-making skills. Acts as the patient’s advocate in meeting his/her 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. Explains procedures and treatments to patients to gain cooperation, understanding, and ally apprehension. Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques. Prepares equipment and aids physicians during treatment and examination of the patient. Maintains awareness of the comfort and safety needs of the patient. Observes patients, records significant conditions and reactions, 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 assess condition of patient. Responds to life saving situations based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocol. Documents nursing history and physical assessment for assigned patients. Initiatives 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. Maintains current knowledge, certification, and licensure. Maintain a clean and safe work environment. Other duties as assigned.