PACU Staff Nurse

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs the primary functions of a Registered Nurse in assessing, planning implementing, and evaluating the care of assigned patients in the Pre-op and/or Recovery area as applicable. Is responsible for adhering to the standards of behavior and nursing practice, for managing all assigned personnel, supplies and equipment within the assigned area, and for promoting teamwork with physicians and personnel of other departments. Is able to function independently with only occasional or limited supervision. Responsible for performing patient care duties in the care of Infant, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric age patients. Must be able to follow established standards of PAR care as well as approved nursing and facility-wide policies and procedures. May be required to supervise and manage Licensed Practical Nurses, and other Surgical Services Assistive Personnel. Supports the Mission, Vision, and Value Statements of EHS and complies with DNV requirements as outlined by policies and procedures.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Current active TN RN license required, or Compact License in the state of residency. One year minimum of experience preferred in the department of employment. BLS and ACLS certification current or within six months of hire. PALS certification preferred. Seeks programs of continuing education and maintains professional knowledge and skills consistent with areas of responsibilities as required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

PCTs

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

Moderate to sustained walking, standing, bending, and stooping required for deliverance of patient care. Moderate to strenuous physical exercise required in lifting up to, but not limited to, 50 lbs. on an occasional basis. Must be capable of diverse patient interaction; exemplify self-control; able to withstand tense situations in close areas; and respond to emergency situations without panic. Must be able to cope with extended hours and still maintain competence to provide safe, quality patient care. Must exemplify self-control, does not panic easily and responds to emergency situations. Fairly diversified job requiring intermittent to sustained mental effort and organization or planning.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to communicable disease and potential violent situations. OSHA Category I - Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.

JOB DUTIES:

1)                  Maintains current competence in job duties by participating in educational opportunities, offered through in-house, mandatory in-services and/or self-directed studies.

2)                  Complies with policies for infection control, employee health, and exposure control, including hand hygiene, use of PPE and handling of specimens.

3)                  Demonstrates professional responsibility and complies with personnel policy and procedures.

4)                  Proactively involved in Performance Improvement by the identification of issues, planning and evaluation of Performance Improvement projects.

5)                  Maintains a safe work environment, uses proper body mechanics, ergonomics and techniques to protect self and others from injury.

6)                  Complies with hospital and departmental policy and procedures for safety, security, hazardous material and waste, emergency preparedness, life safety medical equipment and utility systems.

7)                  Communicates appropriate and accurate information while maintaining patient confidentiality according to EHS policy and procedure.

8)                  Communicates appropriately when transferring care of patient from one unit or caregiver to another.

            Pre-op Holding:

9)                  Utilizes the Nursing Process to provide quality care for the surgical patient, according to AORN “Perioperative Standards of Practice” and EHS policies and procedures.

10)              Provides pre-op and ongoing patient assessment, using knowledge of the principles of growth and development to plan and provide age appropriate care.

11)              Using assessment findings and knowledge of the scheduled procedure, plans for routine surgical needs and patient specific needs. Ensures that pre-operative chart is complete prior to patient going to OR/GI Lab.

12)              Functions as part of the interdisciplinary team to plan, deliver, and evaluate goal focused, individualized, age specific care for all surgical patients.

13)              Appropriately follows procedure for patient identification and identification of the surgical site.

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit:

14)              Provides for Post Anesthesia Recovery care according to PAR Standards of Care of Care.

15)              Develops and maintains an appropriate plan of care for the adult and geriatric patient according to the patient’s individual needs.

A.          Performs admission assessment including pain

B.           Recognizes normal measures for hemodynamic stability and demonstrates skills needed to provide interventions to relieve abnormal measurements.

C.           Uses appropriate pain scale:

        *Wong-Baker for children and those unable to understand 0-10 scale

                                *FLACC Scale for infants, toddlers and patients unable to communicate

D.          Recognizes normal vital signs for pediatrics, adolescents, adult and geriatric patients.

E.           Initiates post-op orders as applicable to the PAR, including pain management, and

         documents appropriately.

F.            Provides PAR care until patient is stable and discharged by anesthesia.

G.          Ensures that areas used are left set up and ready for use by next nurse and patient. 

16)              Is accountable for performing special assignments efficiently, accurately and in a timely manner.

17)              Works flexible hours to accommodate the needs of the patients and physicians.

18)              Any other duties in which the employee is capable of performing as required by the supervisor or management.

This job description is simply a description of the position and duties. It is in no way intended to serve as any form of a contract.