What are the responsibilities and job description for the PACU RN position at Sullivan County Community Hospital?
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
- Certified post-anesthesia nurse (CPAN) preferred but not required.
Experience/Skills
- Preferably possesses at least two years’ experience as a nurse in a post-anesthesia care unit.
- Possesses circulating and/or scrubbing duty experience
- Performs nursing intervention using the nursing process and incorporating current clinical knowledge with established nursing practice
- Extensive experience in measuring and interpreting vital signs and levels of consciousness.
- Availability to work rotational shifts, including nights, weekends and public holidays.
- Proficiently reads, writes, and understands English
- Accurately reads fine print, supply labels, patient identification bracelets, the surgical schedule, and policies and procedures
- Accurately hears and follows verbal instructions
- Pushes and pulls heavy objects such as gurneys, patient beds and OR beds
- Lifts patients, heavy boxes weighing up to 40 pounds, and instrument sets weighing up to 20 pounds
Required Licenses/Certifications
- Registered Nurse licensed to practice in the state of Indiana
- CPR
- ACLS
Working Conditions
- Works in an air-conditioned environment with a temperature of 65ºF-72ºF and humidity of 45%-55%
- Works in temperatures up to 85ºF-90ºF when assigned to assist with pediatric cases
- Wears hospital-provided scrub attire while on duty
- Works in an environment with the potential for cuts, bruises, muscle strains, and exposure to contagious diseases via blood and body fluids
- Works in an environment with the potential for exposure to anesthetic waste gases, harsh disinfectants, sterilizing agents, high steam pressure, and radiologic factors
ROUTINE RESPONSIBILITIES
Behavioral Expectations
- Consistently complies with established Behavioral Expectations
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PACU RN Duties
- Monitors post-operative patients’ levels of consciousness during recovery from anesthesia.
- Measures and records patients’ vital signs.
- Closely observes patients for signs of side effects of anesthesia medication.
- Treats pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms of anesthesia.
- Updates charts, patient files, and medical records.
- Collaborates with the medical team on post-operative patient care and facilitating timely specialized interventions.
- Provides comfort and reassurance to distressed post-operative patients and concerned family members.
- Educates patients and their families on post-surgery care, as well as answers any questions they may have.
- Demonstrates effective airway management; frequently monitors respiratory adequacy and intervenes appropriately.
- Monitors cardiac system of post-op patient
- Identifies arrhythmias and evidence of shock, intervening appropriately when necessary
- Utilizes PAR scoring system to determine patient status toward post-anesthesia recovery
Full Time/Day Shift
80 hours/bi-weekly