Registered Nurse PACU

Overview

Shift’s Available: Variable
Employment Type: Per Diem (PD/PRN)
Hours: Variable
Location: St. Joseph Medical Center - Kansas City, MO

Responsibilities

• Closely monitor patients’ vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiration, to detect any complications early
• Assess and manage pain levels, administer medications as needed to keep the patient comfortable
• Ensure the patient maintains a clear airway and adequate breathing, address any respiratory issues that may arise post-anesthesia
• Continuously assess the patient’s level of consciousness, neurological status, and overall stability as they recover from anesthesia
• Inspect surgical sites, manage drains, and dress wounds as necessary, while observing for signs of infection or other complications
• Offer reassurance and comfort to patients as they wake up, often disoriented, in a calm and soothing environment, keep the patient’s family informed about their condition and the expected timeline for recovery
• Communicate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals regarding the patient’s status and any concerns that arise
• Document all aspects of care provided, including medications administered, patient responses, and any interventions performed
• Deliver post-operative discharge instructions to outpatients prior to discharge

Qualifications

• Current and valid state RN License
• Current BLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current
• ACLS (AHA) certificate 30 days upon hire and maintain current
• PALS (AHA) certificate preferred
• Previous Critical Care or PACU experience or minimum of one year on the job training
• Critical Care RN (CCRN) preferred
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred