Registered Nurse - PACU

Utilizes the nursing process for assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to provide safe, therapeutic care. Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary and nursing teams; carries out established nursing procedures and performs related duties as required; performs nursing care for patients with more complex needs with assistance and supervision. Assists with the management of patient care administered by other members of the nursing team.

Department Description:

The Perianesthesia Care Units at Bayfront Medical Center is composed of Pre-operative (preop), PACU phase I, PACU phase II, and extended care. The team of perianesthesia specialty nurses provides dynamic, compassionate care for a wide variety of surgical patients for adults and adolescents (13 and up) throughout the ambulatory care setting from admission to discharge.

In preparing patients for surgery, we assure their readiness and provide preoperative teaching for patients and their families. The priority postoperatively is to physiologically stabilize patients, provide innovative pain management strategies, and integrate family-centered care. Our postoperative area cares for patients recovering from a wide variety of surgeries and procedures including, but not limited to general surgery, ophthalmology, GYN, GU, OHNS, robotics, and plastic surgery. An interdisciplinary team of nurses, surgeons, specialty physicians and anesthesiologists work to recover the patient from surgery.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS MANAGEMENT 

   1. Clinical Knowledge

      1. Integrates evidence-based nursing theory, research and practical knowledge in patient care delivery. 

         1. Maintains knowledge base consistent with new technology, procedures, and interventions specific to patient groups and their families. 

            1. Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates appropriate interventions for a patient's current, changing or potential clinical status. 

               1. Clinical Skill 

                  1. Performs priority technical procedures required by the area/department assignment and does so safely, legally, effectively, and efficiently. 

                     1. Utilizes computer technology for and maintains confidentiality of data collection, documentation, communication, and research. 

               2. Clinical Organization

                  1. Utilizes the nursing process in providing care for a group of patients in accordance with all Department Policies and Procedures.

                     1. Establishes and/or revises priorities for job/patient care activities based on acuity, resource availability, patient/family preference, and scheduled procedures.

                     2. Seeks consultation, supervision, and/or assistance when unable to perform procedures effectively, safely, or independently. 

               3. Patient Care Management

                  1. Seeks consultation, supervision, and/or assistance when unable to perform procedures effectively, safely, or independently. 

                     1. Directs others in the delivery of patient care, as appropriate and holds staff accountable for completion of delegated tasks.

                     2. Participates collaboratively as a team member to achieve desired patient care outcomes.

                     3. Initiates or maintains interventions to assure continuity of safe/effective care for patients: between units, between shifts, within hospitalization period, prior to admission and/or discharge, and among contacts in the health care agencies. 

1. NURSING PROCESS/DOCUMENTATION Meets the Department of Nursing Documentation Standards by utilizing the nursing process as evidenced by documentation of the following.

   1. Assessment

      1. Completes a nursing history that includes patient and family medical history, psychosocial, cultural factors, nutritional and special needs of the patient's physical status within department timeframes.

         1. Completes an ongoing pain assessment and management plan, as needed.

            1. Assesses discharge and teaching needs