PACU Registered Nurse - Fort Carson

Summary: Perform essentially the same duties as those required of any military or government civil service nurse of similar experience and in similar duty assignments.

Responsibilities

• Collect, interpret, record, and communicate pertinent patient data relevant to the patient's care before, during, and after surgery
• Actively observe patients and take appropriate action as indicated by problems
• Correctly and thoroughly use and adhere to established protocols in preparing patients for examination, specialized tests, and surgery
• Formulate nursing diagnosis based upon health status data by accurately interpreting assessment data and identifying patient problem/nursing diagnosis pertinent to surgical procedure
• Develop a plan of care that prescribes nursing actions to achieve patient goals by establishing priorities for nursing actions
• Effectively ensure patient procedures, treatments, and medications are administered in accordance with physician orders, sound nursing judgment, and applicable guidelines
• Accurately administer medications orally, intramuscularly, sub-cutaneous, intravenously, topically, etc., including narcotics and prescribed intravenous therapy, and maintain awareness of the effects of the medications on patients
• Regularly ensure a safe, clean work environment is maintained for patients and staff; exercise standard precautions set forth by the CDC when providing direct patient care
• Provide for patient privacy through maintaining confidentiality and physical protection of patient information
• Generate and maintain proper medical records on beneficiaries in accordance with Air Force Instructions on Medical Record Administration; all records remain the property of and subject to exclusive control of the Government
• Facilitate collaboration with all levels of health care management, including outside agencies; perform utilization management activities to optimize cost, quality, and access to care
• Adhere to medical group operating instructions; facilitate evidence-based clinical practice
• Provide comprehensive professional nursing care to normal and high-risk patients, document actions, and ensure appropriate equipment and supplies are available based on patient needs
• Monitor and control the environment, including temperature, sensory environment, and cleanliness
• Accurately document procedures, results of medications, untoward effects from medical/surgical procedures, and unusual occurrences in the patient's medical record
• Prepare accurate reports and statistics as required
• Use tact and diplomacy when interacting with all personnel, patients, and family members
• Conduct patient/family interviews and complete preoperative documents, progress notes, and teaching
• Fax prescriptions to pharmacy and enter lab, radiology orders, and other functions in Composite Health Care System (CHCS)
• Assist with orientation and training of other staff assigned to the ASU/PACU and Preop Clinic
• Ensure all equipment is properly cleaned and stored at the end of each work shift; ensure preventive maintenance and routine cleaning are performed as directed
• Ensure a safe work environment and employ safe work habits
• Utilize available information management systems in daily practice for patient care and administrative duties
• Coordinate and communicate with facility staff members to facilitate patient care
• Accurately review and confirm completeness of patient charts and report any abnormalities to appropriate staff in a timely manner
• Establish patient goals congruent with present and potential physical capabilities and behavioral patterns based on nursing diagnosis by developing outcome statements and setting priorities
• Effectively participate in planning care with other professional and nonprofessional personnel
• Take appropriate action to prevent deterioration and alleviate discomfort in patients
• Orient and serve as a preceptor for newly assigned nurses
• Set up, operate, and monitor therapeutic and emergency equipment such as cardiac monitoring devices, EKG units, vital sign monitors, and oxygen saturation monitors
• Ensure patients are adequately prepared for surgery, both physically and emotionally
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Associate Degree in Nursing from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Current, active, full, and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in Colorado or ability to practice using a nurse compact state or Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) license
• National or state nursing license that is valid and current with no limitations, stipulations, or pending adverse actions; license must remain unencumbered during contract employment
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification by the American Red Cross, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS); certifications must remain current at all times
• Minimum of two years of Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), or Emergency Room (ER) (medical or surgical) nursing experience within the last three years
• Completion and passing of a required medication test (administered by the MTF's Education and Professional Development unit) with a grade of 80 or higher
• Successful completion of a competency-based orientation program based on medical-surgical requirements
• Familiarity with various types of medical-surgical equipment and current standards of care
• Obtain and maintain the site's required health screening and immunization requirements
• Obtain and maintain any necessary security access and/or background checks
• Obtain and maintain all required documents, certifications, and licenses listed on the credentialing checklist
• Possess sufficient initiative, interpersonal relationship skills, and social sensitivity to relate constructively to a variety of patients and staff from diverse backgrounds

Skills

• Maintain a professional manner and display a positive cooperative attitude toward patients and other MTF employees
• Adhere to and enforce emergency, fire, safety, and infection control policies and procedures
• Recognize adverse signs and symptoms and react quickly in emergency situations
• Read, understand, speak, and write English well enough to effectively communicate with all patients and other health care providers
• Demonstrate awareness of the individual rights of the patient

Schedule

Full-time. May be required to work additional hours as needed to complete assignment or project.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily indoors at a well-lit military treatment facility such as a clinic, outpatient facility, or hospital. The environment is normally air-conditioned, though conditions may vary. Work may need to be performed in a fast-paced environment requiring quick thinking and rapid judgments. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, latex, radiation, or other contaminants and safety issues is possible. May be exposed to infections or diseases from patient contact. Work is highly social and can be stressful with a high emotional element. Decisions made may substantially impact patients and their families.

Physical Demands

Position consists of sitting for long periods, using hands/fingers, handling, reaching with hands and arms, speaking, or translating. Periods of walking, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, and lifting boxes weighing up to 30 pounds. Moderate to extended periods of office work with heavy computer usage.