Registered Nurse PACU

Basic Job Purpose

To plan and deliver safe, effective preoperative and postoperative nursing care until the patient is dismissed from the facility.

• Education: Graduate of an accredited School of Professional Nursing
• Current Licensure: By the State of Georgia as a Registered Nurse
• Experience: Progressive clinical competencies demonstrated, preferably with a minimum of two years in PACU or Critical Care. Current certification in ACLS (and PALS where appropriate) or commitment to obtain certification within 60 days of employment.

The employee is required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear; frequently move upper extremities within full range of motion; stoop and bend at 90 degrees; and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

The work environment is usually moderate in noise level. Exposure risk to blood borne pathogens is great.

Speaking voice that has good quality and tone; speech that is understandable.

Initiates physical and psychological patient assessment and initiates preoperative patient care plan.

• A. Utilizes appropriate body mechanics in moving patients and stretchers to prevent injury to patients and self.
• B. Determines appropriate priorities for activities based on work demand.
• C. Maintains adequate supplies for area to function smoothly.
• D. Reviews schedule daily and obtains physician’s orders for the following day as necessary.
• E. Maintains clean and neat patient care and work area.
• F. Responsible for preop interview (phone and in house).
• G. Knowledgeable of labwork normals and variables, and physician orders.
• H. Will work closely with the Surgical Scheduler and Anesthesia Provider on days posted in interview office.

• A. Identifies patient arm band and greets patient and family.
• B. Checks and assures that physician’s preoperative orders are complete.
• C. Verifies surgical site verbally with patient.
• D. Assesses patient’s understanding of procedure and checks surgical consent for accuracy and completeness.
• E. Obtains signature on surgical consent when appropriate.
• F. Obtains history and performs physical and psychological assessment of the patient, identifying physical and emotional status.
• G. Obtains vital signs upon admission, recheck if abnormal.
• H. Initiates intravenous therapy as indicated utilizing aseptic technique with appropriate I.V. catheter, rate and fluid.
• I. Administers preoperative medications as prescribed and monitors patient appropriately until transferred to OR.
• J. Documents assessment and nursing care on appropriate records.
• K. Reports test abnormalities and any other pertinent information to surgeon, anesthesiologist, operating room staff and other preoperative area staff as necessary.
• L. Assesses patient’s level of fear/anxiety and provides comfort and support for patient and family.
• M. Maintains patient’s privacy, comfort, and safety in the holding area, i.e. bed rails up, brakes on stretchers.

Plans and prepares for the postoperative care of the patient.

• A. Checks all emergency carts for preparedness.
• B. Checks work area for adequate stock supplies.
• C. Prepares work station and checks oxygen and suction equipment.
• D. Determines appropriate priorities for activities.
• E. Maintains adequate inventory of supplies and equipment in a cost‑effective manner.
• F. Makes recommendations to PACU coordinator regarding equipment needs and purchases.

• A. Assesses patient for patency of airway and continually monitors adequacy of ventilation and provides airway support as needed.
• B. Reports patient’s condition and vital signs to anesthesiologist immediately and as necessary during postoperative period.
• C. Performs head‑to‑toe assessment of patient and evaluates patient by approved scoring system.
• D. Checks dressing and/or operative site and reports abnormalities to surgeon.
• E. Provides a safe, warm, caring environment for patient and family, while restraining patient for safety reasons, as needed.
• F. Understands usual PACU drugs thoroughly and recognizes need for reversal…