Registered Nurse PACU

Job Type

Full-time

Description

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.

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) GERIATRIC (70+ years)

The Registered Nurse is 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:

i. Patient interview

ii. Performance of a physical assessment for all age groups according to the plan of care

iii. Recognizes variances in the assessment which are normal/abnormal for the age group

iv. Review of records

v. Consultation with other members of the perioperative team

Organizes a plan of care that incorporates physician prescribes treatments, nursing assignments and diagnostic date in a manner that:

i. Is prioritized, timely & integrated with the surgical plan of care

ii. 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 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/SO

Validates ability of the patient/SO to mange 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 eligible manner

According to form guidelines

According to protocol

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

Creates and maintains a safe and comfortable environment in which surgery can take place

Explains…