RN - PACU

RN - PACU

Profession: Nursing

Specialty: Pre-Op and Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Duration: 13 weeks

Shift: 3x12s

Hours per Shift: 12

Experience: Minimum 2 years

License: Must possess a valid nursing license

Certifications: BLS, ACLS preferred

Must-Have: Comprehensive assessment skills, close patient monitoring

Description:

The Pre-Op/PACU RN provides skilled and compassionate care to patients before and after surgical, procedural, and interventional cases.

This role requires comprehensive assessment skills and close patient monitoring.

The nurse safely administers medications, infusions, and blood products, adhering to provider orders and safety protocols.

The nurse acts as a key liaison between surgical teams, anesthesiologists, and the patient's family to ensure safety from admission to discharge.

Participation in an on-call rotation, weekend, and/or holiday schedule may be required based on facility needs.

• Pre-Operative Assessment:
  Review patient medical history, allergies, lab results, and consents to ensure procedural readiness.
• Preparation:
  Start intravenous (IV) lines, initiate hydration protocols, and administer pre-medications per provider orders.
• Education:
  
  Educate patients and families on the surgical process, anesthesia, and recovery expectations.

• Continuously monitor airway patency, oxygen saturation, vital signs, and telemetry.
• Access Site Management:
  Monitor access sites for bleeding and apply necessary interventions.
• Post-Op Care:
  Enforce recovery protocols, manage symptoms, and provide fluid intake as needed.
• Discharge:
  Evaluate patients against discharge criteria and deliver thorough caregiver instructions.

• Administer scheduled and emergent medications per provider orders using strict verification processes.

• Perform mandatory verification and monitor for reactions during transfusions.

• Maintain accurate and compliant documentation regarding all care delivered.

• Maintain compliance with safety guidelines and manage symptoms effectively.

• Foster professional communication with all healthcare staff involved in patient care.

• Demonstrate technical proficiency in the operation of specialized patient care equipment.

• Ensure all healthcare equipment is utilized for authorized clinical purposes.

• Provide preparatory guidance and post-operative instructions to patients and caregivers.
• Conduct follow-up calls to assess outcomes and coordinate resources as needed.