Job DescriptionJob Title: Registered Nurse, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)Status: Full TimeHours: VariableReports to: Team Leader/ Vascular MangerPurpose of Job: Responsible for the delivery of safe, effective, and quality patient-family centered care in the post-anesthesia care unit and other areas of perioperative services for all patient populations.Qualifications: Must be a graduate from an accredited school of nursing with a current Tennessee nursing licenseBasic Life Support certified required; ACLS & PALS recommended.Previous experience in a PACU setting (1 year minimum) recommended.Must be in overall good health with satisfactory hearing and eyesight; must be able to bend reach, and lift 50 lbs. using good body mechanics.Must be able to work forty (40) hours per week and overtime as deemed necessary by the supervisorMust be self-motivated, professional and maintain a positive attitudeMust have good verbal and written communication skills Primary Responsibilities: 1. Supports the mission, vision, and values of the organization.2. Assesses patient’s postoperative status at intervals according to facility or health care organization policies and procedures to include the patient’sa. cardiovascular system,b. respiratory system and airway management needs,c. neurological system,d. hemodynamic stability,e. pain and comfort needs, andf. mental status.3. Interprets information accurately from various noninvasive and invasive monitors.4. Describes the physiology associated with various anesthesia techniques and surgical or procedural interventions.5. Applies the relevant scoring system/discharge criteria for patient transfer (Post Anesthesia Recovery PAR) score accurately as defined by organizational policy.6. Develops an individualized peri-anesthesia plan of care.7. Implements the plan of care including the following interventions:a. managing patient recovery from anesthesia – general;b. managing patient recovery from anesthesia – monitored anesthesia care;c. managing patient recovery from anesthesia – regional;d. managing patient recovery from anesthesia – local;e. protecting patient from injury caused by positioning, thermal sources, and extraneous objects;f. communicating the patient’s current status throughout the peri-anesthesia continuum of care;g. providing acute pain and comfort management as needed;h. administering medications correctly by implementing the 7-rights of safe medication practices (ie, right patient, right medication, right dose, right time, right route, right indication, right documentation);i. performing interventions to maintain the integrity of the patient’s wound and tissue perfusion at or above baseline levels;j. performing interventions to maintain the status of the patient’s genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, and fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances at or above baseline levels;k. performing interventions to ensure the patient is at or returned to normothermia at the conclusion of the immediate postoperative period;l. performing interventions to protect patient from infection;m. managing patient’s other co-morbid conditions as applicable;n. managing patient’s fluid as prescribed;o. assessing knowledge level of patient or designated support person and providing education regarding the expected psychosocial response, nutritional management, medication management, pain and comfort management, wound management, and expected responses to the operative or invasive procedure;p. involving patient or designated support person actively in decisions affecting his or her perioperative plan of care and the rehabilitation process;q. protecting patient’s rights, dignity, and privacy;r. providing age-specific, culturally competent, ethical care within legal standards of practice; ands. providing consistent and comparable care regardless of the setting.8. Evaluates the patient’s progress toward attaining outcomes.9. Transfers care as needed.10. Delegates tasks according to the state Nurse Practice Act (if applicable), state board of nursing or professional registration requirements, state laws, and job descriptions.11. Documents nursing care completely, accurately, and legibly.12. Collaborates effectively with other disciplines as needed.13. Participates in quality review and performance improvement projects.14. Participates in the performance appraisal process.15. Uses critical thinking, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships with team members.16. Maintains required competencies.17. Pursues professional growth.18. Communicates pertinent information and suggestions to team leader.19. Prioritizes tasks by importance and demand.20. Follows employee handbook guidelines in regards to sick time, vacation, and dress code.21. Assists with orientation of new personnel. Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motionsPhysically demanding, high-stress environmentVariety of standing, walking, lifting, bending, stooping, twistingMust be able to stand 6-8 hours/day Hand and eye coordinationManual and finger dexterityCorrected vision and hearing to within normal rangePushing and pulling heavy objects Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 poundsWorking irregular hoursThis description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve