RN PACU Nurse | 7a-7:30p

The PACU is comprised of 12 surgical prep bays and 35 post anesthesia bays, staffed by approximately 70 clinicians and staff (including 2 nurse leads, 5 shift coordinators, 2 clinical instructors).   Our PACU nurses are expected to cover the pre- and post-op areas as needed.  

Surgical Services at the main hospital campus is equipped and available to provide 24 hours a day, seven days a week surgical care. 

The Perioperative Services Department consists of the following areas: 

•           Surgery Preparation

•           Operating Rooms (17 O.R.’s and 2 Procedure Rooms)

•           Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU-12 prep and 35 post anesthesia bays)

•           Sterile Processing Department (SPD)

•           Radiology

•           Endoscopy 

In our delivery of care we aim for quality healthcare that is: patient centered, safe, timely, efficient, equitable, and effective. The department is engaged in quality, performance improvement and research to provide care that has the patient and family in mind. 

Perioperative Services’ mission is facilitated through a culture of safety. The focus of care is on the patient, family, and the environment. The department strives for an environment that enables the provision for safe patient care, excellence in performance, improvement in our process, and positive health outcomes. 

Children’s National surgery center performs nearly 17,000 procedures each year on infants, children and adolescents, including kidney transplants, scoliosis, hernia repairs, and procedures to treat disorders and abnormalities of the esophagus and trachea. Other special services include corneal implants and cataract surgeries, and we specialize in cochlear implant for the ear. Children’s surgeons perform laser surgery and employ many types of minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy and thoracoscopy.

Minimum Education
ADN Required, BSN  Preferred

Minimum Work Experience
2 years PACU experience required or related clinical nursing experience in a comparable setting such as critical care or Peds ED. (Required)

Required Skills/Knowledge
The licensed Registered Nurse will successfully complete the hospital and nursing orientation at Children’s National.
Must have strong skills of airway management and knowledge of anesthetic agents.
Excel in organizational skills, adjust for changes and be able to complete assignment on time.
Role model critical thinking skills by problem-solving patient care and unit/system issues.
Demonstrate a collegial and respectful relationship with peers, physicians and other departments.
Care will incorporate best practices based on benchmarks and evidence within the literature.

Required Licenses and Certifications
Registered Nurse in District of Columbia (Required)Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (Required)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) (Required)
Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) (Preferred) And
Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) (Preferred)

Functional Accountabilities
Post-Anesthesia Clinical Care Activities

• Evaluate and manage patient's airway postoperatively including breakthrough laryngospasms; apply knowledge of the physiological changes to the airway postoperatively as a consequence of anesthesia and surgery .

• Perform manual inte