Registered Nurse; PACU

Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse

The Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse (RN) provides specialized care in the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of care throughout the peri anesthesia continuum to include the Pre anesthesia Phase, Post anesthesia Phase I, Post anesthesia Phase II, and extended care from sedation/analgesia and/or anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures. The PACU RN possesses knowledge related to the physiology associated with various anesthesia techniques and surgical interventions.

The PACU RN assesses and prepare patients for procedures appropriately. Performs clinical assessment of the patient and readily recognizes contraindication for anesthesia and/or surgical intervention. The PACU RN applies the appropriate post sedation scoring and assesses the patient's postoperative status to include cardiovascular and respiratory systems and airway management needs, neurological system, hemodynamic stability, pain, and comfort needs and mental status, implementing appropriate interventions to maintain or return all physiological system to baseline or above.

The PACU RN maintains knowledge of current American Society of Peri anesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) standards, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Directives and service level standard operating procedures (SOPs). The PACU RN is responsible for ensuring comprehensive documenting of all phases of care and is timely, complete, and accurate in the electronic health record (EHR). The PACU RN collaborates in the development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of policies, procedures, and/or guidelines.

Demonstrates performance and leadership that is broad enough to improve the care for a group of patients. Provides peers with formal or informal constructive feedback for improvement. Supports colleagues and other nurses through knowledge sharing to provide safe, quality nursing care. Fosters a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of health care professionals. Evaluates outcomes of evidence-based decisions and practice changes for individuals, groups, and populations.

Responsible for the documenting broad and complex outcomes at the program or service level, that can be demonstrated at any organizational level within a facility. May be required to perform on-call duties.

Preferred Experience:

At least 2 years of recent acute care and/or critical care experience (PACU and ICU) preferred. Strong skills in post anesthesia recovery, airway management, and hemodynamic monitoring. Competent in moderate sedation recovery and rapid response workflows. Excellent communication and teamwork with anesthesia and surgical teams. Current BLS/ACLS required. BSN

Work Schedule:

Monday
-Friday, ShiftTBD

Telework:
Not Available

Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.