RN PACU​/OPS; Pool​/PRN

Job Summary

Provides age and population specific direct clinical care to neonate, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient populations. Delivers patient care according to the Scope of Service for PACU/OPS. Adheres to and practices the St. John's Health Corporate Compliance Program and participates in performance improvement activities. Provides age and developmentally appropriate specialized nursing care to neonate through geriatric patients in the immediate post anesthesia period.

Participates in the After Hour/Weekend call schedule as directed by the OR Director.

• Obtains and reviews all patient data using observational, interviewing, interpretation and critical thinking skills in an age specific population and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Identifies risk factors and provides for patient safety.
• Identifies changes in patient status, exercises critical thinking and independent judgment within the context of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
• Develops a plan of care that is unique to each patient's needs, evaluates patient response to plan of care and reflects measurable goals that are mutually set with the patient.
• Organizes and prioritizes care of multiple patients with varying levels of acuity in a timely and efficient manner with a positive attitude.
• Practices autonomously and consistently with professional nursing standards.
• Manages specimen collection, handling and disposition according to hospital policy. Labels blood specimens at the patient bedside.
• Addresses patient and family spiritual and emotional needs utilizing a holistic approach.
• Uses supplies and equipment within safe parameters and ensures equipment is functioning properly before use. Reports equipment malfunction following the appropriate reporting procedure.
• Initiates and completes computerized Event Reports for unusual events consistently and reports near misses.
• Implements measures to prevent injury from environmental hazards.

• Assesses patient and family education needs based on: a) age population, b) developmental level, c) readiness to learn based on patient perception, educational level and expectation of care, d) patient understanding, e) available coping mechanisms, and f) outcome expectations.
• Initiates and incorporates patient/family education into the plan of care and nursing practice.
• Identifies continuity of care needs for discharge and follow-up using appropriate resources.
• Communicates up-dated status report and clear information to patient/family to make informed decisions.

• Reviews PACU/OPS schedule and anticipates patient care needs as well as needs of Surgical Services Department.
• Performs daily/weekly/monthly equipment and medication checks. Resolves medication discrepancies, identifies equipment malfunctions and corrects through appropriate means and documents the process.
• Obtains patient report from OR RN and CRNA, reviews patient's records to form accurate assessment of patient's history, diagnosis, procedure and post op status. Provides accurate patient report when transferring patient.
• Facilitates patient transition from anesthesia emergence to post-operative care. Documents appropriately in the EMR, MAR, Order Management, etc.
• Facilitates professional communications with/between anesthesia, surgeons, staff and families in regards to changes in patient status, additional needs and clarification.
• Practices in a professional manner when representing the surgical call team and responds in a timely manner per policy.
• Takes initiative to review communication book and meeting minutes when absent, signs of on updates and incorporates changes into practice. Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Functions as weekend call staffer - completes follow-up calls - Assists with add-ons, cancellations, patient questions.
• Able to care for multiple patient in all phases of Peri-operative care.
• Works in an efficient manner moving from task to task to ensure patients move through PACU/OPS in a timely manner. Completes all required daily duties.

• Minimum Education
  • Required:
    
    ASN
  • Preferred: BSN
• Minimum Work Experience
  • Required:
    
    Basic computer skills. Good communication, interpersonal and customer service skills. Ability to function independently with strong critical thinking skills.
  • Preferred:
    One year of surgical or Peri-anesthesia experience. Two years Critical Care experience and/or one to two years PACU experience. Extensive knowledge of anesthesia medications and narcotics desired. Knowledge of airway management and intervention helpful.
• Required Licenses
  • Current RN license with the authority to practice in the State of Wyoming
  • BLS and ACLS required at the time of hire.
  • ENPS/PALS certifications required at the time of hire.

Fast paced outpatient surgery area. PACU/OPS suites. Some stressful situations. Frequent interruptions. Close working quarters. Rapidly changing census and patient acuity.…