Registered Nurse PACU

Description

Provides nursing care to surgical patients in the immediate post‑anesthetic period and in the PACU/Recovery area. Responsibilities include assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care.

Full‑time

The PACU RN maintains clinical knowledge and performs the following duties:

• Demonstrates competency in procedures appropriate to patient age groups:
  • INFANT (0‑1 year)
  • PEDIATRIC (2‑12 years)
  • ADOLESCENT (13‑17 years)
  • ADULT (18‑69 years)
  • GERIATRIC (70+ years)
• Utilizes the nursing process for all patient care activities, following established policies and protocols.
• Communicates accurate and timely information about patients and their care to patients, significant others, and co‑workers.
• Records pertinent information clearly and accurately.
• Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships and appropriate lines of communication.
• Assesses the health status of the patient through:
• Patient interview
• Physical assessment for all age groups according to the plan of care
• Recognition of normal/abnormal variances for the age group
• Review of records
• Consultation with perioperative team members
• Organizes a plan of care that incorporates physician orders, nursing assignments, and diagnostic data, prioritizing and integrating with the surgical plan.
• Prepares supplies, x‑rays, and equipment for cases.

• Completes admission chart reviews and necessary lab work and IVs in a timely manner.
• Prepares patients for discharge, evaluates progress for discharge criteria, and provides discharge instructions to patients or significant others.
• Validates ability of patients or significant others to manage continuing care after discharge, including post‑op phone calls.
• Provides education tailored to the patient or significant other’s knowledge level, covering safe medication use, equipment use, and next steps for further treatment.

• Implements orders for post‑anesthesia care and standing orders for critical care emergencies.
• Applies knowledge of critical care medications and administers them according to policy.
• Adjusts patient care plans to meet outcomes.

• Documents patient care in accordance with form guidelines and protocol.
• Ensures content reflects patient condition.
• Restocks supplies and performs cleaning functions for the unit.
• Participates in conferences, committee meetings, and educational programs.
• Obtains appropriate patient health history and engages in patient safety practices.

• Demonstrates judgment and decision‑making skills and acts as a patient advocate.
• Serves as a preceptor and orients new surgical team members.
• Communicates effectively and recognizes stressful situations.
• Creates a safe and comfortable environment for surgery.
• Explains procedures to gain patient cooperation and understanding.
• Administers medication and assists physicians during procedures.
• Maintains awareness of patient comfort and safety needs.
• Monitors vital signs and responds to life‑saving situations according to nursing standards and policy.
• Documents nursing history, physical assessment, and patient education plans.
• Prepares operating rooms, sterile instruments, equipment, and supplies.
• Manages medication logs and continuous documentation of medication control.
• Participates in quality improvement activities.

• Understanding and commitment to the mission, values, and philosophy of the organization.
• Current RN license.
• Awareness of changing nursing trends and ability to adapt.
• Knowledge and skills appropriate to the patient population.
• Ability to function effectively in stressful situations.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to adjust schedule (trade or extra hours) to meet facility needs.
• BLS certification within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to work under supervision and oversee others.

• Standing for prolonged periods.
• Lifting or moving heavy objects.

$34.00 to $45.00 per hour, depending on experience.