PACU RN

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The Postoperative RN, under the supervision of the Preop/PACU Manager or the Director of Nursing, according to the organizational structure, is responsible for providing post-operative patient care in accordance with sound nursing judgment, regulatory and accreditation standards, and the facility's mission, vision, and values. The position must provide direct and indirect patient care across the age continuum; and utilize the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation according to policies and procedures of the facility.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Shows appropriate delegation, while directing and supervising ancillary personnel in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating patient care in the post-operative clinical areas according to accepted standards. May be requested to perform charge duties.
• Provides direct patient care in the assigned clinical areas and demonstrates clinical competence.
• Keeps customers informed of progress related to clinical operations and provides comfort, information and assistance during the process.
• Reviews daily schedule and prepares patient care areas based upon types of procedures and specific patient care needs. 
• Initiates physical and psycho/social assessment and pre-operative plan of care, identifies patient and obtains informed consent.
• Completes and documents a pre-operative interview, obtains necessary diagnostic test results and notifies appropriate physicians and staff regarding variances and/or concerns.
• Completes and documents post-operative phone calls and reports problems and/or concerns.  
• Completes the Post-anesthesia record and assures all patients have met the discharge criteria prior to discharge; and provides all patients post-operative instructions.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduate of approved school of professional nursing with current and valid licensure with State Board of Nursing.
• Minimum of two years of experience required in ICU/Emergency Room/Recovery Room or other critical care nursing environment.
• Knowledge of State, Federal and Accrediting Body regulations and standards related to healthcare.
• Must have BLS, ACLS & PALS within 60 days of employment.
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written English communications for safe and effective patient care and to meet documentation standards.
• Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for own professional advancement.
• Is aware of professional nursing standard and performs in accordance with them.

 This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements.  Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.

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