PACU Registered Nurse - PACU

Job Objective

The PACU RN under the supervision of the RN Manager and Director of Surgical Services, is responsible for the post‑operative/post‑procedural nursing care of patients undergoing surgical and/or other invasive procedures in the Main PACU at Antelope Valley Hospital. The RN shall function under the guidelines of ASPAN Standards, as well as the policies and procedures of the department and hospital.

• Meets all essential duties of a Registered Nurse
• Nursing Process
• Provides age and developmentally appropriate specialized nursing care to infant through geriatric patients in the immediate post‑anesthesia period
• Manages care of critically unstable patient
• Observes and monitors by the methods appropriate to the patient's medical condition. This includes monitoring oxygenation, ventilation, circulation and temperature.
• Monitors invasive lines, initiates and monitors vasoactive drips.
• Monitors ventilator patients and intervenes when necessary.
• Initiates and operates various pain management equipment, i.e. PCA, Epidural, etc.
• Assesses patient for hypothermia and malignant hyperthermia and takes appropriate action
• Possesses knowledge of airway management and appropriate interventions
• Insures that patients have a safe post‑operative/post‑procedural period from general, regional or local anesthesia, including conscious sedation.
• Provides appropriate post‑op / post‑procedural education to patients and their families
• Possesses knowledge of "Core Measures" as it applies to the perioperative period (SCIP)
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service skills in dealing with patients, families and visitors

• Meets all skills and abilities of a Registered Nurse here at AV Hospital
• Must have 2 years of experience in ICU/CCU or hospital Main PACU
• Up to date knowledge of current drugs, trends and techniques in the care of perioperative/critically ill patients.
• The ability to function independently with strong critical thinking skills,
• Basic Computer skills
• Good communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Interest in Professional growth as evidenced by participation in continuing education programs, committees and/or councils.

• Meets all required licensure and/or Certification of a Registered Nurse in California.
• ACLS and PALS certification required at time of hire
• National certifications such as CPAN and CCRN are desirable.
• BSN preferred
• Current California Registered Nursing license
• BCLS Certification
• ACLS, PALS, and/or other additional Certifications required for some specialty areas

• Required to take night as well as weekend call shifts in rotation with other PACU staff.
• Call shifts require 30 min response time.
• Available 8‑10‑12 hour shifts with mandatory weekend and holiday rotation
• Work often performed under stressful, emotional, and physical conditions
• Accepts additional workload during times of unexpected circumstances, e.g., high activity, high census, and sudden emergencies
• May be exposed to contaminated instruments that may cause infections, burns, or cuts
• May also be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and risk of radiation

• Applies nursing process in direct patient care:
• Provides accurate assessment and documentation of physiological, psycho social, cultural, developmental, socioeconomic, and spiritual needs of patient as evidenced by assessment within time frame appropriate for level of care
• Provides logical sequence of action, updates nursing care plan as evidenced by notations on care plan, provides evaluation each shift of patient’s progress In relation to the patient care plan, if applicable to area of care
• Provides Information to patient/family relating to educational resources available, Directs patient/family educational process
• Provides discharge planning beginning on admission with appropriate referrals and update as required by the patient
• Adheres to the admission and transfer criteria
• Adheres to all current policies and procedures in providing patient care and seeks clarification if needed.
• Evaluates and…