PACU Nurse - Northern Virginia

3023 Hamaker Court Suite 300 Fairfax, VA 22031

Kids Are Our Everything. Department 10354 Operating Room

About the role

All nursing practice is based on the legal scope of practice, national and specialty nursing standards, Children's National Policies and Procedures, and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. The professional Model of Care require registered professional nurses to be responsible and accountable for their own practice. Children's National support the development of RN relationships with the community; specifically those relationships associated with the health and well being of the community at large. A RN is an independent practitioner who functions as an identified resource to staff in a patient care area. H/She will provide comprehensive patient care to a variety of patients. Incorporate all members of the health care team in the planning and delivery of patient care. Will deal successfully with complex clinical problems. Conduct quick assessment of patients and handle emergency situations appropriately . Demonstrate evidence based practice through participation in unit projects and activities.

Responsibilities

• Post-Anesthesia Clinical Care Activities: Evaluate and manage patient's airway postoperatively including breakthrough laryngospasms; apply knowledge of the physiological changes to the airway postoperatively as a consequence of anesthesia and surgery . Perform manual intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV). Be aware of the risk factors that contribute to the condition and make decisions when caring for patients and families. Monitor cardiopulmonary function, airway patency, and oxygen saturation. Provide prompt care to minimize the incidence of emergence delirium; maintain safety environment while patient experiencing emergence delirium. Evaluate and treat post-operative pain in a timely manner with appropriate intervention. Manage epidural administration of local anesthetics and opioids. Manage patients with central neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks. Monitor complications associated with administration of analgesics and act promptly to minimize adverse incidents.
• Transformational Leadership: Contribute to Magnet re-designation as evidenced by independent involvement or leadership in: committees, task force and/or community outreach. Communication reflects development of plan of care and ability to advocate to meet patients’ needs; make suggestions for resolution of system issues. Role model procedures for escalation of issues and utilize chain of command. Demonstrate proper use of identified hand off processes; follow up on inconsistent practice related to handoff. Take the lead in implementing change and support management decisions. Role model behavior reflecting empathy, concern and a desire to help others.
• Structural Empowerment: Independently maintain regulatory requirements e.g. license, BLS.