Registered Nurse - PACU 7-4:30

JOB SUMMARY

Call-2 days each week

Provides direct patient care to neonate through geriatric patient populations. Addresses the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care related to the surgical environment. Assists with the maintenance of PACU equipment and inventory. Participates in performance improvement activities. Responsible for monitoring patient’s physiological status in the immediate postoperative environment. Communicates with surgeon and anesthesiologist continuously, and as needed, about patient conditions; receives direction for patient management. Intercedes to maintain optimum homeostasis

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education

• Holds an active Registered Nurse license and is eligible to practice in the state of Kentucky. 
• Current BLS certification.
• Current PALS certification.
• Current ACLS certification.
• Basic EKG/Arrhythmia-identification.

Minimum Work Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in PACU.

Required Skills

• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Basic computer knowledge.

FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS

Physical Requirements

Sitting - 1-15%

Walking - =>32%

Standing - =>32%

Bending/Squatting - 16-31%

Climbing/Kneeling - 16-31%

Twisting - 16-31%

Visual and Hearing Requirements

Must be able to see with corrective eyewear if needed.

Must be able to hear clearly with assistance if needed.

Color vision ability required.

Physical/Environmental requirements

Lifting - 0 -50 lbs, 50 or more with assistance

Carrying - 0- 50 lbs, 50 or more with assistance

Pulling - Up to 100 lbs

Pushing - Up to 100 lbs

OSHA

High potential for direct exposures.

LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Mission, Service and Values

Supports the hospital Mission, Service, and Values

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential Functions

• Approaches patient in a kind, gentle and friendly manner.
• Gives patient explanations and verbal reassurances consistently.
• Responds to patient’s inappropriate behavior in a therapeutic manner.
• Demonstrates knowledge of preoperative factors that alter immediate postoperative phase.
• Utilizes nursing procedures as a media for communication and interaction with patient.
• Identifies physical symptoms and changes and takes appropriate action in a timely manner.
• Completes treatments as ordered or within one (1) hour, if appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge of airway management and procedures and the ability to use the equipment.
• Demonstrates ability to assess cardio-respiratory systems for changes and provides appropriate treatment.
• Observes behavioral and physiologic changes due to medications, takes appropriate actions and documents.
• Adjusts and acts upon expectations of patient’s behavior, according to the effect medication has on patient.
• Demonstrates ability to provide specific care to postoperative neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
• Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments and special procedures.
• Carries out established techniques for safe administration of medications and parenteral fluids, according to hospital policies and procedures.
• Follows the seven (7) medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.
• Carries out safety measures to prevent patient from harming him/herself or others.
• Coordinates patient care; gives explanations and teaching to patient/family, as necessary.
• Protects patient’s sensitivities and right to privacy.
• Demonstrates knowledge of anesthetic drugs, actions and side effects.
• Demonstrates knowledge of arterial lines, Swan-Ganz, spinal and epidural catheters and how to document.
• Demonstrates knowledge of regional anesthesia including but not limited to femoral nerve blocks, bier blocks, interscalene blocks, and TAP blocks.
• Demonstrates ability to make independent and intelligent nursing decisions in the care of the PACU patients.
• Obtains, documents and assesses vital signs every five (5) minutes for the first hour.
• Demonstrates ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Closely observes patient w