PACU RN

About the role

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered care through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This role is responsible for coordinating and delivering high-quality care based on established clinical protocols and physician/provider orders. The RN collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care and desired outcomes, while maintaining a supportive and compassionate environment for patients and their families.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and delivers high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
• Conducts thorough patient assessments and documents findings accurately, reporting changes in condition to the appropriate care team members.
• Utilizes knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.
• Administers prescribed medications, monitors for side effects, and documents administration in accordance with standards of practice.
• Assists physicians during procedures within the scope of documented competency and skill level.
• Collaborates with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans based on patient assessments and needs.
• Responds to medical emergencies and participates in life-saving interventions, such as CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.
• Advocates for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in care planning and delivery.
• Provides patient and family education on medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care, ensuring understanding and adherence to instructions.
• Implements and adheres to infection control protocols to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
• Monitors and operates medical equipment (e.g., IV pumps, monitors, ventilators) as needed for patient care and safety.
• Promotes patient safety by adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.
• Participates in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to standards of practice and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates responsible decision-making in planning, delegating, and providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
• Documents patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.
• Engages in professional development to maintain clinical competency and understanding of current nursing standards and regulations.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development, to enhance patient outcomes and care delivery.
• Critical Care RN: Administers medications and other treatments as prescribed, including intravenous medications and therapies; manages complex medical equipment, including ventilators, monitoring devices, and other life-support systems; performs procedures such as inserting central lines, managing tracheostomies, and providing advanced cardiac life support.
• Emergency Services RN: Performs rapid assessment and triage to evaluate patients' conditions quickly and prioritize care; conducts emergency procedures such as intubation, wound care, and suturing; implements interventions to stabilize patients, including administering medications, starting IV lines, and providing respiratory support.
• OR Services RN: Provides comprehensive care to patients before, during, and after surgery, including assessments, planning, and evaluation of nursing care; scrubs in for surgeries, assisting the surgical team with instruments and supplies, and ensuring a sterile environment; monitors patient vital signs, administers medications, and observes for changes in patient condition.
• Cardiac Surgery RN: Continuously assesses patients' condition, including vital signs, hemodynamic parameters, and ECG readings; administers medications and IV drips, adjusting dosages based on the patient's condition; proficient in operating and maintaining advanced life support equipment like ventilators, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and ECMO; monitors patients' recovery after cardiac surgeries, manages chest tubes, pacing wires, and wound care.
• Endoscopy RN: Assesses patient needs, reviews medical history, explains procedures, obtains consent, and prepares the patient for procedure; monitors patient vitals, administers medications, and assists the physician during procedure; provides post-procedure care, monitors recovery, and educates patients about aftercare instructions; ensures the endoscopy room is properly prepared, instruments are sterilized, and equipment is functioning correctly.
• Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery/Post Partum/Nursery RN: Educates patients about pregnancy, provides prenatal screenings, and prepares patients for labor and delivery; assesses and monitors the new mother's physical recovery, including vital signs, postpartum hemorrhage, and potential complications like postpartum depression; assists with epidurals and other pain management techniques during labor; administers pain medication, induces labor, and manages other medication needs during labor and delivery; assists during labor and delivery, monitors fetal well-being, administers medications, and provides pain relief; monitors mothers and newborns after delivery, assessing their well-being, and providing education on postpartum care and breastfeeding; assesses and monitors newborn health, taking vital signs, performing routine assessments, and educating parents on newborn care; assists with gynecological exams and procedures, and provides education on reproductive health, contraception, and prenatal care; educates patients about family planning, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care; interprets fetal heart rate patterns and assesses fetal well-being using electronic fetal monitoring.
• Oncology RN: Administers chemotherapy, manages side effects, monitors vitals, and manages pain; explains treatments, answers questions, and provides information on resources; provides emotional and psychological support to patients and their families.
• Orthopedics RN: Provides specialized care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and diseases; provides care for orthopedic patients encompassing pre-operative and post-operative care; conducts peripheral/vascular assessments; treats patients with immobilization devices; provides pain management; provides patient education.
• PACU RN: Assesses the patient's level of consciousness and responsiveness as they wake up from anesthesia; evaluates pain levels and administers pain medications as prescribed; observes side effects of anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, shivering, or muscle aches; monitors for and responds to any post-operative complications; administers medications, including pain relievers and other post-operative medications, as prescribed; regulates intravenous (IV) fluids and monitors fluid balance; checks and changes dressings on surgical wounds; ensures a clear airway and provides oxygen support as needed; educates patients and families about post-surgery care, potential complications, and discharge instructions.
• NICU RN: Continuously assesses and monitors vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) and other signs of distress; administers prescribed medications, intravenous fluids, and other treatments, including respiratory support and oxygen therapy; manages feeding needs, including tube, breast milk feeding support, and ensuring adequate nutrition; provides basic care tasks like diaper changes, bathing, and positioning; performs procedures like inserting IV lines, administering medications, and assisting with intubation or ventilation; operates and adjusts specialized medical equipment used in the NICU.
• Telemetry RN: Uses telemetry equipment to track heart rhythms (EKG), blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other vital signs; analyzes telemetry data to identify trends, abnormalities, and potential problems, and reports these findings to physicians; provides direct patient care, including medication administration, wound care, and patient education, with a focus on cardiac health; recognizes and responds to emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, and implements appropriate interventions.
• Dialysis RN: Sets up and operates dialysis machines, monitors patients before, during, and after treatment, and adjusts treatment parameters as needed; takes vital signs, monitors signs of complications, and responds to changes in patient condition; educates patients and families about kidney disease, dialysis procedures, and the importance of adhering to treatment plans, diet, and medication; inspects and maintains dialysis machines and equipment.
• Cath Lab RN: Pre-Procedure: Reviews medical history, assesses patient's overall health, and prepares them for the procedure; initiates intravenous (IV) line for medication administration; administers medications as prescribed by the physician; educates patients and families about the procedure and what to expect; verifies that surgical consents have been signed. During the Procedure: Assists the Cardiologist during the catheterization process; closely monitors the patient's vital signs, hemodynamic data, and sedation levels; ensures proper functioning of equipment and supplies; manages potential complications and responds to emergencies. Post-Procedure: Continues to monitor the patient's vital signs and overall condition after the procedure; administers post-procedure medications as needed.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications