RN - PACU

RN II-PACU (Mandatory Call)

Provides nursing care to surgical patients in the immediate preoperative and postoperative period. Receives report from anesthesiologist, surgeon, and/or circulating RN regarding surgical intervention. Incorporates received information into the nursing plan of care. Assures control of pain, bleeding, nausea, proper positioning, management of airway, and stabilization of vital signs. Responds immediately to emergency situations. Competent to perform physical assessment of patients post-anesthesia – general, spinal, regional, or IV sedation.

Competent to manage the airway of a patient following anesthesia. Recognizes symptoms of cardiac or respiratory distress and other impending emergencies consistently. Provides appropriate nursing interventions in stable and emergent patient situations. Competent in routine nursing skills including medication administration and intravenous therapy. Competent in care and maintenance of indwelling catheters and drains, and the safe use of medical equipment in critical care.

Understands and follows chain of command per policy. Competent to monitor hemodynamic status of post-surgical patients. Accurately interprets ECG rhythm and manages care of patients during life-threatening emergencies. Demonstrates knowledge of lead functions and application. Able to make recommendations for best monitoring based on patient presentation. Competent to manage pain control requirements of post-surgical patients without airway compromise. Demonstrates understanding of pharmacological interactions and physiological effects of anesthesia and narcotic analgesics.

Determines safe patient discharge from the recovery room using established PACU discharge standards. Demonstrates appropriate use of restraints per hospital policy. Competent to access facility information systems for patient care provision. Demonstrates knowledge and skills to safely fulfill job-specific responsibilities related to patient safety and emergency preparedness. Maintains professional and technical knowledge and skills. Identifies and communicates opportunities to improve services and unit operation.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Experience:

One year PACU or critical care experience required License:
Current RN license in state of practice required

Certifications:

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from approved vendor required Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification from approved vendor required Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from approved vendor required Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) required within 1 year of hire or transfer into the department Must-Have:
Associate Degree (A.S.) or equivalent required;
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing preferred