RN - Perioperative

Profession: Nursing

Specialty: Post Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse (PACU), Perioperative

Duration: 13 weeks

Shift: DAYS

Hours per Shift: 10.5 hours )

Experience: Minimum of 2 years in an acute care or surgical services area

License: Current Registered Professional Nurse licensure required

Certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS required. TNCC certification required within 6 months of hire. National perioperative certification preferred.

Must-Have:

Knowledge of perioperative/post-anesthesia care nursing principles

Knowledge of aseptic techniques and infection control principles

Excellent communication skills

Description:

The Outpatient Services/PACU Nurse is responsible for the safe preparation, education, and discharge of patients scheduled for procedures.

Responsibilities include assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of patients in outpatient services, pre-op, post-op, PACU, and procedural sedation.

The staff member must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.

Essential Functions:

Provide direct patient care, evaluate outcomes, and adjust the nursing care process as necessary to ensure optimal patient care.

Perform focused assessments and reassessments, including pediatric, adolescent, geriatric, and the general patient population.

Monitor the hemodynamic status of patients and interpret results accurately.

Have knowledge of cardiac monitoring, be able to identify arrhythmias, and intervene using appropriate algorithms and physician orders.

Prepare patients for examinations or procedures and assist physicians as needed.

Maintain accurate and ongoing nursing documentation, including patient history, condition, vital signs, treatment, response to interventions, and changes in status.

Treat patients and their families with respect and dignity, functioning as a liaison between the patient and other health care providers.

Teach patients based on identified learning needs and evaluate the effectiveness of patient learning, including families in the teaching process where appropriate.

Review discharge instructions with patients or responsible parties.

Maintain current knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on patient age and clinical condition.

Calculate, prepare, hang, monitor, and discontinue IV fluids and medication drips.

Perform treatments and procedures as directed, within the individual's training and capabilities.

Secondary Functions:

Ensure work areas are clean, stocked, and ready for use.

Verify supplies are stocked and organized in appropriate locations.

Complete daily department tasks and compliance checks as scheduled.

Communicate questions and concerns through the appropriate channels.

Assist with the orientation of new employees.

Supervise and provide nursing students opportunities to observe and learn.

Attend mandatory in-service training and year-round education days.

Work with other departments to coordinate smooth transfers of patients.

Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Physical Demands:

Standing, walking, lifting, carrying, or pushing 20 pounds or less for 10-20% of the work time.

Assistance or assistive devices are required for lifting 35 pounds or more.

Sitting for up to 80% or more of the work time.

Standing, walking, lifting, carrying, or pushing items up to 35 pounds independently for 215-85% of the work time.

Assistance or assistive devices will be used for lifting, carrying, or pushing greater than 35 pounds.

Exposure Category:

Tasks involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.

Positions include procedures or job-related tasks that involve potential contact with these materials.