Job Summary
Performs nursing care for the patient in the immediate postoperative/post anesthesia period, assessing, communicating patient status with the surgeon, physician and anesthesia providers and documenting care given in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU). Nursing care is specific based on the type of anesthesia administered and procedure or surgery performed.
This position supervises Patient Care Technicians, Certified Nursing Assistants, Medical Assistants and LPNs, as appropriate to the facility.
This position reports directly to the Clinical Director.
Educational/License Requirements
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
- RN with active license in appropriate state
- One (1) year experience in PACU or ICU
- CPR certification
Preferred Experience
- Previous ASC experience
- ACLS certified
- PALS certified, as appropriate to the facility
Qualifications
- Ability to work cooperatively with co-workers, managers, patients, visitors, vendors, families and physicians.
- Ability to promote a positive facility image with physicians, patients, visitors, vendors and the general public.
- Ability to make decisions and solve problems.
Job Duties
- Effectively organizes time, equipment, supplies.
- Assesses and documents the patient’s physical and emotional status upon arrival in the PACU.
- Provides nursing care to meet patient needs related to surgical condition and type of anesthesia administered.
- Performs safe and individualized nursing care for the patient in the immediate postoperative/post anesthesia period.
- Develops a plan of care for the patient based on the assessment data.
- Monitors patients and informs surgeon or anesthesia personnel of patient status and notifies of changes/complications in a timely manner.
- Provides comfort and reassurance to the patient and promotes privacy and dignity.
- Uses equipment accurately.
- Confirms that proper techniques and procedures are used according to accepted standards of practice.
- Performs thorough postoperative patient assessment prior to discharge of the patient.
- Reviews postoperative instructions from the surgeon with patient and caregiver and documents in the patient’s medical record.
- Performs medication reconciliation with patient and teaches on new prescriptions.
- Provides patient with written discharge instructions and any needed supplies, i.e. 2x2 dressing sponges, sunglasses.
- Assists in managing inventory of supplies, drugs, and equipment to maintain availability and stock levels in the postoperative area.
- Performs other duties as requested.
Working Conditions
- Well-lit, well -ventilated area with complicated equipment, some of which is hazardous in nature.
- Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious material (OPIM) and chemical hazards.
Physical and mental requirements
- Ability to sit and stand for long periods; ability to walk.
- Ability to push, pull, lift and position equipment and patients.
- Ability to reach overhead and to reach low.
- Physical strength for using equipment and performing patient care activities.
- Visual and auditory acuity for accurate assessment of patient.
- Ability to move quickly in response to patient needs.
Education
Preferred
Behaviors
Preferred
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Motivations
Preferred
- Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
- Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
RN PACU at Cool Springs Surgery Center summary:
As a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), I provide critical nursing care to patients immediately following surgery and anesthesia. My responsibilities include monitoring patient status, documenting care, and supervising junior staff while ensuring compliance with established medical standards. I am dedicated to patient comfort and safety, facilitating effective communication between patients, surgeons, and the healthcare team.
Keywords:
PACU nurse, post anesthesia care, nursing supervision, patient assessment, surgical recovery, critical care, patient safety, healthcare, RN, anesthesia monitoring
