SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The PACU/PRE-OP Nurse reports to the Clinical Coordinator and is responsible for providing professional nursing service to patients who have undergone outpatient surgical procedures.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receives report from the anesthesiologist/CRNA and circulating nurse and identifies the patient upon the arrival of the patient in the PACU.
• Takes vital signs consisting of blood pressure, pulse, and respirations, SaO2, and temperature when the patient arrives in PACU and as necessary throughout the patient’s stay.  Accurately documents the vital signs and any pertinent details about the patient’s status while in PACU.
• Completes and documents an assessment of the patient (including airway status, cardiac rhythm as indicated, level of consciousness and condition of operative site) on admission to PACU and thereafter as indicated.
• Verifies physician’s orders, administers medications, and performs procedures as ordered.
• Gives all prescriptions to the appropriate person (i.e. patient, parent and/or responsible adult).
• When patient meets discharge criteria, the PACU Nurse:

• Notifies anesthesiologist or surgeon to check patient
• Discontinues intravenous access
• Reviews, educates, and provides a copy of the written discharge instructions to the patient, patient’s family and/or the accompanying responsible adult
• Discharges the patient, via the appropriate exit, either via wheelchair, assisting with ambulation, or other appropriate method based on patient condition

• Completes all documentation in an accurate and timely manner.
• The PACU Nurse, at the end of the day:

• Returns any appropriate items to front desk/reception area,
• Assists with preparations of the PACU and preoperative areas for the next day, and
• Closes facility according to protocol.

• Tags and removes malfunctioning equipment from the clinical area, and reports to the Clinical Director/ Coordinator as soon as possible.
• Assists with receiving and storing supplies as needed.
• Disposes of contaminated needle containers in an appropriate receptacle in accordance with safety protocols.
• Assists with post-op phone calls, as needed.
• Provides assistance with facility logs as assigned.
• Participates in the Adverse Incident reporting process as necessary.
• Function as a Preop nurse as directed by the Clinical Director/ Coordinator.
• Participates in committees as assigned. 
• Assists with other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current unrestricted licensure in Virginia or a Compact State as a Registered Nurse.
• Current BLS certification.
• ACLS and PALS certification 
• Previous work experience in an ambulatory surgery setting or acute hospital recovery room or operating room of no less than one (1) year is preferred.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS

• Surgery Center setting
• Well-lighted, well-ventilated, adequate space.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and/or other conditions common to clinic setting.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

• Requires sitting, standing, bending, and reaching 6-8 hours of the day.
• Intermittent physical mobility/activity including walking, standing, sitting, light lifting, pulling and pushing of carts, equipment, etc.   Must be able to bend body downward at the waist; be able to kneel.