Description

JOB SUMMARY

As a Pre-Op/PACU nurse, you are an essential member of the surgical team as a highly specialized RN who will care for patients who have gone under anesthesia. You will be responsible for observing and treating patients after surgery. This nurse administers diligent care to patients via monitoring, assessment, intervention and continuous reassessment. In your role as Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Nurse (PACU), you will provide care for post-operative patients recovering from anesthesia, including general, regional, and local.

PACU nurses are typically the first ones to greet the patient after surgery and will provide comfort and reassurance to the patient as well as family.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Experience as a Pre-Op and PACU/critical care setting
• Actively monitor vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory rate after surgery.
• Acts as clinical resource for the staff.
• Assess the health care needs of the patient and maintain or develop a plan of care.
• Assess and act on significant changes in the patient’s health condition.
• Carry out or assign Unit RN the plan of care by performing delegated tasks.
• Collect and document pertinent data into the electronic patient/ medical record.
• Complete nursing assessments within required time frames, and in accordance with policy and procedure
• Identify and act on predictable needs of the patient.
• Follows up in a timely manner in response to all patient’s/ family concerns including communication with administrator on site.
• Assists with admission and discharge processes to ensure efficient throughput and high quality, patient-centered care.
• Participate in the ongoing assessment of the quality of patient care services provided in the unit, in collaboration with other members of the management team.
• Notify assigned physician of any changes in condition.
• Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the hospital.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS

• BSN Required
• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Current Texas RN License
• 2 YRS experience as a Critical Care staff Registered Nurse required.
• 2-5 YRS PRE-OP/PACU RN Experience
• Current Recent experience observing and treating patients after surgery, i.e., monitor vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory rate.

• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) 90 days after Date of Hire
• NIHSS certification within 6 months of hire, unless currently certified then needs to be maintained.
• BLS, ACLS required. Current BLS at time of hire; ACLS at time of hire or within thirty (30) days of hire.
• PALS certification within 30 days of hire
• BSN Required
• Master’s Degree preferred.

CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE

• Current Texas RN License
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) 90 days after Date of Hire
• NIHSS certification within 6 months of hire, unless currently certified then needs to be maintained.
• BLS, ACLS, PALS - AMERICAN HEART, required.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families.
• Be able to carry out the plan of care by performing/assigning delegated tasks.
• Complete nursing assessments within required time frames, and in accordance with policy and procedure.
• Identify and act on predictable needs of the patient.
• Ability to meet the health care needs of patient by assessing and assisting the patient to meet expressed need