Registered Nurse PACU

Job Description

Shift Type: 3 days per week; 10 hours per shift

Provides nursing care to the surgical patient. Involves assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of surgical patient in the immediate post-anesthetic period. Provides PACU/Recovery nursing care to patients in the facility by performing the following duties.

The PACU RN is responsible for maintaining clinical, communication and personal knowledge and skills required to meet the challenge of delivering safe and effective patient care in the PACU.

Communicates accurate and timely information regarding patients and their care and/or their significant others

Records pertinent information clearly, accurately and in a timely manner

Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships with patients, significant others, and co-workers

Utilities appropriate lines of communication

Assess the health status of the patient by collecting data via:

• Patient interview
• Performance of a physical assessment for all age groups according to the plan of care
• Recognizes variances in the assessment which are normal/abnormal for the age group
• Review of records
• Consultation with other members of the perioperative team

Organizes a plan of care that incorporates physician prescribes treatments, nursing assignments and diagnostic date in a manner that:

• Is prioritized, timely & integrated with the surgical plan of care
• Gathering supplies, x-rays and instruments/equipment for cases

As an Admission/Discharge RN:

• Completes admission on patient admission as evidenced by ongoing chart review
• Completes all necessary lab work and IV’s in timely and efficient manner
• Prepares the patient for discharge in the following ways, as evidenced by ongoing chart review:
• Evaluates the patient’s progress for achievement of outcomes/discharge criteria
• Provides discharge instructions to the patient/SO
• Validates ability of the patient/SO to manage continuing care needs after discharge, through post-op phone calls
• Provides education according to the specific knowledge/skill level of the patient/SO to meet the patient’s ongoing health needs including:
• Safe and effective use of medication including food-drug interaction, as evidenced by chart review
• Safe and effective use of medical equipment, if applicable
• When and how to obtain further treatment
• Implementation of teaching protocols for patient education

As a PACU RN:

• Implements orders for post-anesthesia care of patients
• Implements standing orders for critical care emergencies
• Demonstrates knowledge of critical care medications and administers them properly according to policy
• Changes the patients plan of care to meet outcomes
• Documents patient care:
  In a eligible manner;
  According to form guidelines;
  According to protocol;
  Content reflects patient condition
• Restocks area with applicable supplies
• Performs appropriate cleaning functions for the unit
• Participate in conference, committee meetings, and educational programs as necessary
• Obtains appropriate patient health history
  
  Participates in appropriate patient safety related practices

Clinical Leadership:

• Demonstrates appropriate judgment and decision-making skills
• Acts as the patient’s advocate in meeting his/her physical and psychological needs
• Serves as a preceptor and orients new members of the surgical team
• Demonstrates effective communication skills and the ability to recognize and intervene in stressful situations involving the patient, significant other and/or team members
• Creates and maintains a safe and comfortable environment in which surgery can take place
• Explains procedures and treatments to patient to gain cooperation, understanding, and alleviate…