Registered Nurse, PACU- (Casual)

Purpose/Description

The role of the post-anesthesia care unit nurse (PACU Nurse) is to provide care for post-operative patients recovering from anesthesia, including general, regional, and local. Demonstrates skills and ability to learn operating room procedures, endoscopic procedures, and recovery room duties. Ability to work well in a small, confined department. Ability to work well under pressure. Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, physicians and patients.

Education and Experience

• Education: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing required, an associate's degree in nursing (A.D.N.), or bachelor’s degree in nursing (B.S.N.) preferred.
• Experience: Two (2) years staff RN experience required and experience as OR RN in surgical services a plus. Must have desire to work in OR/surgical environment.
• Licenses/Certifications: Current Oregon RN License or ability to obtain OR RN licensure, ACLS, TEAM.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervising and directing patient care and personnel in a single operating room.
• Identify the patient properly and check the completeness of the chart.
• Report any change in the patient’s condition.
• Ensure that proper technique and practices are maintained.
• Provide assistance to Operating Practitioners and anesthesia.
• Identify needed supplies and equipment to prepare room for patient and procedure.
• Transport patient to operating room in a safe manner.
• Position patient on the operating table correctly.
• Assess and meet the patient’s physical, safety and emotional needs.
• Assure completion of the patient’s chart, the operating room records and charge slips.
• Assure correct sponge and needle counts and participate in instrument monitoring.
• Identify, label and dispatch specimens as appropriate.
• Obtain and record medications used during operative procedure.
• Anticipate and fulfill the needs of the scrub nurse.
• Prepare equipment and packs for use in the operative procedures.
• Makes sure local anesthesia is monitored when CRNA is not present.
• Performs post anesthesia recovery of patient when indicated.
• Performs moderate sedation for endoscopic procedures.
• Assists central supply personnel with C.S. duties, including ordering of supplies and stocking.
• Is available by phone or pager during all scheduled on call periods.
• Completes nursing history and pre-op teaching when indicated.
• Maintain high professional standards by:
• Demonstration of knowledge of changing trends in nursing, active participation in conferences, classes and meetings.
• Application of scientific principles in performing nursing procedures; knowledge of the rationale for nursing actions.
• Supports and interprets the hospital philosophy, objectives and policies.
• Participation in activities that will assist nursing and the hospital administration to provide ongoing improvement in patient care services.

Other Skills

• Strong problem solving, decision making and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficient in use of computer including MS Office applications.
• Ability to manage complex operations and diverse personnel.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.