RN PeriAnesthesia

JOB SUMMARY

The Registered Nurse for Ambulatory Surgery and Post Anesthesia Care Unit is a clinically competent registered professional nurse who provides direct patient care for pediatrics through geriatric patient population. The PACU RN addresses the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care related to the surgical experience. This includes the preadmission process, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (Phase 1), and Phase 2 recovery and discharge to include postoperative follow-up.

The PACU RN is responsible for monitoring patients' physiological status in the immediate perioperative environment, communicates with surgeons and anesthesiologists regarding patient condition; receives direction for patient management, and intercedes to maintain optimum homeostasis. The RN provides education for patients and family related to the peri-operative experience and home self-care. Participation in performance improvement activities and demonstration of excellent critical thinking skills are required.                       

PRINCIPLE FUNCTIONS includes the following, other duties may be assigned:

• Approaches patient in a kind, gentle, and friendly manner. Gives patient explanations and verbal reassurances consistently.
• Adapts procedures for treatment to meet individual needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Demonstrates knowledge of perioperative factors that alter immediate postoperative phase.
• Uses nursing procedures as a medium for communication and interaction with patient.
• Identifies physical symptoms and changes and takes appropriate action in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to assess cardio-respiratory systems for changes and provides appropriate treatment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of airway management and procedures and possesses ability to use appropriate equipment.
• Demonstrates the ability to assess cardio-respiratory systems for changes and provides appropriate treatment.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of dysrhythmias, followed by appropriate treatment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of anesthetic drugs, actions, and side effects.
• Demonstrates the ability to make independent and intelligent nursing decisions in the care of the PACU patient.
• Demonstrates knowledge of invasive monitoring lines, i.e.: arterial lines.
• Demonstrates ability to provide specific care to peri-operative pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.

• Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments and special procedures Coordinates patient care; gives explanations and teaching to patient/family, as needed. Protects patient's sensitivities and right to privacy.
• Closely observes patient with minimal disturbance. Obtains, documents, and assesses vital signs.
• Medicates perioperative patient, as needed, after assessment and evaluation of the patient's condition.
• Observes behavioral changes due to medications, takes appropriate actions, and documents same.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of disease processes and surgical condition and the care required.
• Notifies physician of any abnormal lab/test results.
• Responds appropriately to patient in an emergency or physically distressful situation. Clearly documents the charting ideas, facts, and concepts about the patient.
• Documentation is legible and completed within the shift; meets standards, policies and procedures.
• Communicates effectively and thoroughly the patient's condition upon transfer AS to OR or PACU to receiving unit registered nurse.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationships with co-workers for the patient's benefit. Communicates the mission, ethics, and goals of WhidbeyHealth.
• Provides the patient and their family with the opportunity for reciprocal communication with the nursing staff.
• Completes specially assigned duties consistently and as schedule allows.
• Utilizes initiative; strives to maintain steady level of productivity; self- motivated. Organizes and managers activities reflecting due consideration for the needs of the department and staff.

JOB KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Completes annual education requirements.
• Attends annual Surgical Services Skills Lab Review and department in-services as scheduled.
• Maintains regulatory requirements.
• Reports to work as scheduled: ready to receive assignment at the beginning of shift. Minimal absenteeism.
• Wears identification while on duty. Attends at least 75% of staff meetings.
• Actively participates in the department's Continuous Quality Improvement (QCI) activities.
• Continues ongoing cross-training to provide procedural sedation. Meets physical demands of the job.
• Ensures confidentiality of patient's records.

Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. 
• BSN preferred.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Training & Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of recent experience in Acute Care, Ambulatory Surgery, PACU, or ICU.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Active WA State RN License or Active Multistate License (MSL)
• MSL Requirements:
  • Approved 6-Hour Suicide Prevention Training Course Completion
  • Screenshot of submitted demographic data using the Washington State Multistate Nurse Demographic Data Survey.
• American Heart Assocaition BLS required.
• ACLS & PALS required within 90 days.
• Certification, ASPAN and or CAPA specialty, preferred.

Other Skills and Abilities

Basic computer knowledge.