Status:  Full Time

Shift:     Monday-Friday 0930-2000 x 4 shifts with rotating weekday, weekend, and holiday call

Exempt: No 

Other information:

Education:
Must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing

Experience/Skills:
Previous experience required: must have a minimum of 1 year experience as a RN in a PACU or Critical Care area.

Licensure/Certification/Registration:
Current LA RN license.
BLS, PALS, and ACLS required.

Physical Demands:
Strength: Medium
Push: Frequently
Pull: Occasionally
Carry: Occasionally
Lift: Frequently
Sit: Occasionally
Stand: Frequently
Walk: Frequently

Responsibilities:

1.The PACU RN is responsible and accountable for the delivery and documentation of patient care during the pre-operative/post-operative period.

2.Other areas of responsibility are as follows:

A.Fiscal Management

a.Utilizes supplies and materials in a cost effective manner.

b.Monitors levels of inventory in accordance with established desired quantities.

3.Standards of Nursing Practice

A.Provides quality patient care as outlined in the ASPAN Standard of Care, department’s policies and procedures and North Oaks Standards of Practice.

B.Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and the skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient’s served.He/She shall be able to interpret data about the patient’s status in order to identify each patient’s age specific needs and provide the care needed by the patient group.

C.Addresses and supports cultural practices as long as such practices do not harm others or interfere with the planned course of medical therapy.

D.Successfully complete yearly competency labs.

4.Operational Functions

A.Assists in the orientation of new employees.

B.Ensures individual skills are current by attending relative and educational programs.(ACLS, PALS, ongoing in-services to measure competency.)

C.Assist department Coordinators in maintenance of policies and procedures.

D.Assist in data collection and report writing as applicable.

E.Assists Charge Nurse as assigned.

F.Responsible for patient/family teaching and documentation on patient/family interdisciplinary tool and discharge instructions.

G.Notifies Charge Nurse or Unit Coordinator of any changes in patient’s condition.

H.Assists with pain management services as assigned.

I.Demonstrate quality leadership abilities.

J.Function as “Agents of Change”, serves as mentors for nurses desiring to work in PACU and SDS.

K.Completes “Pain Assessment” on all patients.Instructs patient on use of pain scale.

L.PACU nurses will assist the O.R. staff with checking patients in when they arrive to holding area.

5.Surgical Services Environment

A.Maintains a safe environment by adherence to safety principles.

B.Participates in departmental fire and disaster.

C.Complies with infection control guidelines.

D.Accurately records information that reflects peri-operative nursing care given by the members of the nursing team.

E.Documents activities other than direct nursing care that may affect the patient’s outcome.

6.Performance Improvement/Development

A.Assists in the identification of patient related potential problem areas for referral for quality review.

B.Monitors established quality review indicators for compliance as assigned.

C.Participates as assigned in the department Performance Improvement Committee.

D.Attends committee meetings as designated.

E.Attends in-service programs.

F.Attends and participates in departmental staff meetings.

G.Adhere to hospital policy in regards to blood and blood components.

7.Adhere to policies and procedures.

A.Responsible for adherence to hospital policies and procedures for self and personnel under his/her supervision.

B.Complies with attendance policies.

C.Adhere to acceptable dress code and rules of conduct.

D.Report incidents and injuries appropriately.

E.For PACU only; accepts responsibility of covering unit (is on call) – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

F.Demonstrates professional manner and respect for peers, physicians and patients and families.

G.Knowledgeable of all hospital safety codes and performs duties during drills and actual emergencies.

H.Report unsafe conditions and incidents.

I.Provide a clean environment.

J.Account for narcotics according to policy.Utilizes PYXIS system responsibly. (if appropriate)

K.Follows North Oaks Health System’s legal compliance programs and Federal and Sate guidelines.(Patients are charged appropriately for services rendered.)

L.Supports North Oaks Health System’s patient confidentiality issues. (In accordance with HIPPA guidelines.)

8.Demonstrates good interpersonal relationships and exhibits critical thinking skills.

A.Extends courtesy and consideration for others in interpersonal relationships

B.Demonstrates a professional manner in the work setting.

C.Accepts and acts upon constructive criticism to upgrade abilities.

D.Channels suggestions, criticisms and questions to appropriate persons. (Charge Nurse, Unit Coordinator – Director)

E.Seeks clarification of duties when indicated.

F.Shares knowledge with others.

G.Displays effective problem solving skills and decision making abilities.

H.Displays and utilizes conflict resolution skills.

I.Encouraged to support nursing organizations as an active member.

9.Performs other duties as requested.

A.Patient/family education and preparation of patient care at home upon discharge.

B.Administration conscious sedation according to policy.