Position Summary

The Surgical Services PACU RN is responsible, through nursing processes, for providing and coordinating nursing care, and resource management for patients and families in the post-operative areas. Must apply and document the nursing processes, assessments, and nursing diagnoses. Uses good judgement and is guided by the knowledge of basic principles of nursing based on the biological, physical, and psycho-social sciences to plan, implement, and evaluate patient care processes and flow of patients through the post-operative area.

Essential Job Functions/Accountabilities

Develops a nursing plan of care based on identified nursing diagnosis, patient care needs and standards with input from patient and/or family; Applies a systematic problem-solving approach in developing, implementing, and evaluating nursing plans of care; Documents implementation of the plan of care and all nursing interventions.

Monitors patient’s vital signs; Performs IV therapy, venipunctures, and other procedures; Obtains specimens for testing as ordered; Facilitates physician’s orders; Assesses patient symptoms that may indicate changes in condition. Utilizes Safe Surgery Checklist to ensure patient safety; Demonstrates knowledge of Infection Control and Safety Policies and Procedures. Communicates effectively with peers, physicians, and outside departments; Remains calm in urgent situations; Provides SBARQ style report to receiving unit.

Provides appropriate care to pre-op and post-op patients; Completes and documents necessary pre-op/post-op teaching of patient and family; Provides discharge instructions to patients. Practices with a questioning attitude; Shares ideas for improvement/revision of policies/procedures which would enhance the work environment and overall operation within the division.

Delegates as appropriate to ancillary staff; Works as part of a team with co-workers; Facilitates flow of unit and manages staffing pars when in triage or T&P (triage and PRN) roles. Responsible for unit specific duties and checks; Remains calm in urgent situations. Assists in teaching/competency maintenance/training of all team members; Participates in educational programs, serves on committees and seeks other opportunities for professional and personal growth and development.

All other duties not specifically assigned.

Position Requirements

Education: Graduate of a school of Nursing; B.S.N preferred.

Experience: Minimum One (1) to two (2) years of PACU/ICU/ER experience required. Demonstrated leadership experience.

Technical Skills: N/A

Certifications/Licenses/Registrations: Current license to practice as Registered Nurse in the State of Ohio; BLS required. ACLS required. PALS required within 6 months of hire.